2011 Audi S4 power train problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2011 Audi S4 — 85% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Car has developed a transmission problem in the mechatronic unit. Car gives a gearbox malfunction display in the car. Reverse will not working and the car will repeatedly go into neutral at any speed. Sometimes then it will jerk back into gear very violently.”
filed Apr 9, 2021
“This vehicle is known for the transmission issues that can be extremely dangerous at times due to the vehicle making sudden and unexpected movements.”
filed Oct 1, 2019
“Transmission blew up on the highway at cruising speed. Has to get a tow and pay 12000 for a new transmission”
filed Feb 21, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulleitn provides information when there are running problems/restricted functions, 0B5 gearbox.
TSB_2082048_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is restricted function with DTC P141D (8940), 0B5 gearbox.
TSB_2082102_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 22, 2026
Power Train problems in other S4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 S4 | 8 | 25% |
| 2012 S4 | 14 | 64% |
| 2010 S4 | 42 | 70% |
| 2006 S4 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 S4 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 S4 | 5 | 17% |
| 2000 S4 | 2 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 Audi S4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.