Service bulletins for the 2012 Audi S4
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
795 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| A481347 2034351- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. STEERING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 48 number 13-45 dated July 10, 2013. Customer may report hearing creaking or squeaking noise from the steering column when steering slowly (the noise can be duplicated while the vehicle is stationary if the steering wheel is turned slowly). The noise may get louder at higher temperatures or when the vehicle is driven for a longer period of time. The noise comes from the sealing sleeve/steering column opening on the bulkhead. Listen to the attached audio file for example of the noise. Insufficient lubrication of the intermediate steering shaft in the area of the sealing sleeve. |
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| A511306 2009967- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-23 dated June 3, 2011. Instructions for vehicle inspection, protection removal, and detailing. |
| A641329 2020552- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. Windshield is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or its surface feels rough. Residue from industrial fallout as well as normal road dirt and grime may accumulate on windshield. |
| A911302 2018187- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 11-20 dated October 21, 2011. Customer may report that cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference is coming from one or more speakers. Parts of the speakers (such as the brackets, cables, or covers) or parts of the interior fittings (such as door covers, rear shelf, facings, or covers) can vibrate at certain frequencies, causing noises. The radio tuner or other control modules may be affected by electromagnetic interference from aftermarket electronic devices. |
| AWA-13-07 | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. As part of Audi's ongoing commitment to our environment, Audi is extending the Emissions Control Systems Warranty to cover cleaning of the engine cylinder head secondary air ports to remove carbon buildup under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original in-service date for certain 2009-12 Model Year Audi vehicles with 3.2L engine, and certain 2009-2013 Model Year Audi vehicles with 3.0T engines. The vehicle's original in-service date is defined as the date the vehicle was delivered to either the original purchaser or the original lessee; or if the vehicle was first placed in service as a "demonstrator" or "company" car, on the date such vehicle was first placed in service. The warranty extension is fully transferable to subsequent owners. Audi has determined that under certain driving conditions, carbon buildup can occur in the engine cylinder head secondary airports. Due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this carbon buildup, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster may illuminate. The MIL is part of the on-board diagnostic system. In some locales, an illuminated MIL could cause the vehicle to fail an IM emissions inspection, vehicle registration application could be denied. Audi will diagnose, and if necessary clean the engine cylinder head secondary air ports to remove the carbon buildup at no cost to the customer as long as the vehicle is within the time and mileage limits of the warranty extension. This warranty extension covers only the diagnosis and cleaning of the cylinder head secondary air ports to remove the carbon buildup. Reimbursement is applicable only to the repairs described in this Warranty Bulletin. |
| Customer Letter | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Audi has determined that, under certain driving conditions, carbon buildup can occur in the engine cylinder head secondary air ports. Due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this carbon buildup, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster may illuminate. The MIL is part of your on-board diagnostic system. Please refer to your owner's manual for additional information about the MIL. In some locales, an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp could cause your vehicle to fail an IM emissions inspection, and your vehicle registration application could be denied. Please be aware that other conditions (unrelated to the issue described in this letter) may cause the MIL in your vehicle to illuminate. Customers should be prepared to cover all diagnosis and repair costs for these other, unrelated conditions. |
| A911392 2030947- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 12-61 dated September 25, 2012. The customer complains that when he or she is trying to place a phone call from the vehicle while using a Bluetooth®-connected phone, the phone call disconnects before it begins and an error shows on the MMI display. The message may be "Function not supported" or "Network error". The customer is using a phone with the Android operating system. In addition, Skype®, or another network-based communication software, is installed on the phone. Call can be placed directly from the phone without a problem. When the phone gets the request to place a call from the vehicle, a prompt appears on the phone asking the user to choose how the call should be placed. If the prompt is ignored, the MMI system disconnects the call assuming the phone is not responding. |
| A911388 2021780- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 10-70 dated October 26, 2010. Sequence of error messages are seen on the radio display screen after a CD was loaded into or removed from the internal CD drive. "Drive defective. The error could be corrected by resetting it (see radio system owner's manual). Otherwise, contact your Audi dealer." "The CD-drive is damaged and was therefore deactivated." The CD drive cannot be selected in the Source list and is described as "damaged." After the ignition is cycled or a radio reset performed, the CD drive is fully operational. DTC 00468 (CD-ROM Drive -R92- Faulty) is stored in the radio (address word 56). The DTC will be sporadic if the ignition has been cycled or a radio reset performed and will automatically be cleared after 40 ignition cycles without a reoccurrence. Only vehicles with the CAN-based generation 3 radio (Concert (PR 8UQ) or Symphony (PR 8YN)) are affected. |
| A551332 2023967- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 55 number 13-30 dated May 28, 2013. "Low Oil Level" message is on in the DIS or MMI. The hood must be open for at least 30 seconds for a reset of this message to be performed. The message is not reset in the DIS/MMI because the hood has not been recognized as being opened due to an inoperative hood contact switch. |
| A481345 2034351- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. STEERING. Customer may report hearing creaking or squeaking noise from the steering column when steering slowly (the noise can be duplicated while the vehicle is stationary if the steering wheel is turned slowly). The noise may get louder at higher temperatures or when the vehicle is driven for a longer period of time. The noise comes from the sealing sleeve/steering column opening on the bulkhead. Listen to the attached audio file for example of the noise. Insufficient lubrication of the intermediate steering shaft in the area of the sealing sleeve. |
| A461347 2034387- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; PARKING BRAKE. Customer may report sporadically hearing the parking brake being actuated after the vehicle has been switched off. If the customer does not identify the sound as the sound of the parking brake being actuated, he or she may simply complain of hearing noises from the rear brakes. Ignition is switched off. Steering is locked. Park is selected. Parking brake is not engaged. If the electro-mechanical parking brake is not operated for some time, the free play between brake pads and brake discs increases because of normal brake pad wear. The parking brake control unit performs an automatic correction about every 621 miles (1,000 km). On A8 models, the brake pad thickness is also calculated. |
| A441338 2034445- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Customer reports seeing the messages "TPMS" and "Tire pressure: System malfunction!" in the instrument cluster. The "TPMS" message is not related to a loss of tire pressure. The message only indicates that tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is not active. |
| A371309 2028715- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 12-40 dated February 28, 2012. Rough gear changes, both when accelerating and when slowing down. There is a rough driving power disruption that occurs sporadically and lasts for less than a second. After a mechatronics, torque converter, or complete gearbox replacement, the clutches must be adapted to the new component. This requires a gradual move of the clutch linings toward the optimal operating points in the most diverse load conditions. As a result, sporadic driving power disruptions lasting for less than a second or reduced shift comfort are possible over the first 500 miles. This is normal, and these issues will decrease over time. The issues can also occur if the adaptation values of the gearbox were deleted. |
| A351313 2030477- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 35 number 13-10 dated May 7, 2013. The following message appears in the information display: "Gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving". Fault entries are stored in the transmission control module. Fault codes and expanded environmental conditions codes must match exactly or this TSB should not be followed. Poor internal contact area on circuit board will lead to faults. Oil additives can cause the plastic circuit plates to delaminate, causing contact loss. |
| A191343 2034439- | 2017-12-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The coolant warning light is illuminated. Coolant is leaking from the front intercooler radiator because of stone damage to the radiator. When vehicles are driven on gravel roads, there is a greater chance of front-end stone impact damage to the intercooler radiator. |
| A911374 2024323- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 12-61 dated October 1, 2012. Parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles when none exist. Parking aid is inoperative or provides constant warning. Various parking aid sensor fitting issues. Environmental conditions. |
| A441336 2022563- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-35 dated January 18, 2013. Customer feels vibration from 55 - 80 mph (88 - 128 km/h) in the seat, vehicle floor, footwell, pedals, or steering wheel. This condition does not result in any handling concerns or loss of vehicle control. |
| A371390 2032971- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Transmission warning message appears in instrument cluster. The gearbox is in limp mode until key is cycled. Fault P17E100 (DFCC 9473) is stored in transmission control unit. The DFCC is the 4-6 digit code that is typically listed before the fault code. The fault is very sporadic and usually appears after a cold start. Fault is caused by transmission software that is too sensitive. |
| A171336 2030197- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 12-34 dated December 12, 2012. Customer complains of excessive oil consumption. In order to provide effective lubrication and cooling of internal engine components, all internal combustion engines consume a certain amount of engine oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change significantly over the life of the engine. Typically, engines with specified break-in periods consume more oil during the break-in period, and the oil consumption will stabilize after the break-in period. Refer to the Owner's Manual for specific break-in procedures. Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of the oil, the RPM at which the engine is operated, the ambient temperature, and road conditions. Additional factors are the amount of oil dilution from water condensation or fuel residue and the oxidation level of the oil. Under certain driving conditions, internal engine pressure conditions in the 3.0 TFSI engine can negatively influence the rate of oil consumption. This can occur while the vehicle is operated in city driving conditions, for example: stop and go traffic with extended idle periods. |
| A351309 2028085- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 35 number 12-07 dated December 21, 2012. Customer may report that there is oil leaking under the vehicle. There are a number of possible sources for the leak. Leaking from the oil pan seal. Crack in the oil pan. Leak between gearbox housing and intermediate housing. The source of the leak may be confused with o-ring of drain plug. |
| A001348 2002047- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center |
| A171337 2030197- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-36 dated February 14, 2013. Customer complains of excessive oil consumption. In order to provide effective lubrication and cooling of internal engine components, all internal combustion engines consume a certain amount of engine oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change significantly over the life of the engine. Typically, engines with specified break-in periods consume more oil during the break-in period, and the oil consumption will stabilize after the break-in period. Refer to the Owner's Manual for specific break-in procedures. Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of the oil, the RPM at which the engine is operated, the ambient temperature, and road conditions. Additional factors are the amount of oil dilution from water condensation or fuel residue and the oxidation level of the oil. Under certain driving conditions, internal engine pressure conditions in the 3.0 TFSI engine can negatively influence the rate of oil consumption. This can occur while the vehicle is operated in city driving conditions, for example: stop and go traffic with extended idle periods. |
| A171339 2030197- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-37 dated March 13, 2013. Customer complains of excessive oil consumption. In order to provide effective lubrication and cooling of internal engine components, all internal combustion engines consume a certain amount of engine oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change significantly over the life of the engine. Typically, engines with specified break-in periods consume more oil during the break-in period, and the oil consumption will stabilize after the break-in period. Refer to the Owner?s Manual for specific break-in procedures. Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of the oil, the RPM at which the engine is operated, the ambient temperature, and road conditions. Additional factors are the amount of oil dilution from water condensation or fuel residue and the oxidation level of the oil. Under certain driving conditions, internal engine pressure conditions in the 3.0 TFSI engine can negatively influence the rate of oil consumption. This can occur while the vehicle is operated in city driving conditions, for example: stop and go traffic with extended idle periods. |
| A191335 2025303- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service. |
| A421317 2026049- | 2017-11-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 42 number 12-14 dated October 5, 2012. Oil leak in the area of the Quattro sports rear differential (PR-PDU, PDR, or GH2) side flange or axle shaft inboard flange. Insufficient sealant on the protective cap on the inboard constant velocity joint at the rear differential on vehicles with a sports differential. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.