Recalls: Audi B7 S4
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi B7 S4
Audi B7 S4: Takata airbag recall
In December 2018, recall campaign 69R7 was issued for Audi B7 S4 vehicles. These vehicles had Takata front passenger airbags and the propellant wafers in these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture and metallic fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17210.
Problems and faults: Audi B7 S4
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Audi B7 S4: BBK V8 timing chain rattle
For the Audi S4’s 4.2-litre BBK V8 engine, the cam adjusters, tensioners and guides are susceptible to wear. As per the table below, this can cause camshaft over-advance codes to be issued, a rattling noise on start-up, engines misfires, a lack of performance and the vehicle to enter ‘limp home’ mode.
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By removing the rear timing covers, the cam adjusters can be replaced without removing the engine from the engine bay. Replacement of the tensioners and guides, however, requires the engine to be removed from the engine bay since the chain drive is located at the rear of the engine.
Please note that while not all BBK engines have experienced these problems, failures have occurred at mileages from as little as 60,000 kilometres. To extend the life of the tensioner guides, frequent oil changes with high quality oil are recommended. For a discussion of this problem, please see Audizine: B6/B7 S4 Timing Chain FAQ.
Audi B7 S4: noise when shifting to/from fourth gear
In December 2006, Audi issued technical service bulletin 2013023/1 for 2005-06 Audi B7 S4 quattro vehicles because a chirping, hooting or squeaking noise may be heard when shifting to and from fourth gear. Furthermore, shudder may be experienced during the control phase of the torque converter clutch.
According to the service bulletin, the torque converter clutch briefly generated vibrations/shuddering during the control phase of the converter control/converter close. To fix,
- The transmission control unit was to be reprogrammed;
- The automatic transmission fluid was to be drained, filled, flushed and re-filled with ATF specification ‘G 055162A2’ (blue); and,
- An adaptation drive performed.
Audi B7 S4: misfires and ignition coils
In December 2006, Audi issued technical service bulletin 2013623/1 for 2005-07 Audi B7 S4 vehicles with VINs in the range 8E 5A 400500 to 8E 7A 086400. In these vehicles,
- The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be flashing or constantly illuminated; and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for misfire in one or more cylinders (P0300 to P0312, depending on the engine) are stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM).
According to the service bulletin, the misfire could be caused by the ingress of moisture in the ignition coils. Furthermore, new ignition coils supplied by Powertrain Pulse ERA were installed in production.
Problems and faults: Audi B7 S4
- The anti-lock braking system (ABS) may activate unnecessarily under normal to light braking pressure due to cracks in tone/exciter rings (rings on the outer CV shaft that measure wheel rotation).
- When the oil filter is removed, the oil cooler is susceptible to turning – this may damage the coolant lines and cause a coolant leak.
- Water may leak into a wiring harness near the A-pillar, causing problems with the remote central locking, power windows, issuing a ‘door ajar’ warning when the doors are shut and the interior lights staying on.
