Audi›A4 / S4›2011›Overview/audi/a4-s4/2011/base/

2011 Audi A4 / S4

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 A4 / S4.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2011 Audi A4 and S4 arrive as passenger cars powered by an engine that takes 4.9 quarts of oil in either 5W-30 or 5W-40 API viscosity grades, paired with an automatic transmission using variable gear ratios that helps it achieve EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. From a reliability standpoint, the model year has accumulated just 32 owner complaints, with the engine emerging as the most frequently cited trouble area, while no recalls have been issued against it. That combination of a zero-recall record and a complaint pool concentrated almost entirely around the powertrain paints a picture of a model year that is otherwise stable but worth scrutinizing carefully under the hood. For a researcher weighing the line, this places the 2011 A4/S4 as a generally dependable entry whose main risk vector is mechanical rather than systemic or recall-driven.

Model year2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy22/30/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 850 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 49 · 850 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-40R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q
Engine air filter	8R0133843K
Fuel filter	8K0201511A
Spark plug	06H905601A
Battery	000915089BD alt 000915089BF
Front wiper blades	8K1955426A alt 8K1955425A
Serpentine belt	06H903137C
Thermostat	06H121113B alt 06J121113C
Cabin air filter	8K0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	185 in
Overall width	72 in
Overall height	56.3 in
Wheelbase	110.6 in
Curb weight	3263 lb
Track (front / rear)	61 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	22 / 30 / 25 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	91 cu ft
Cargo volume	12 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-4 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.4 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Audi part number G060162A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.2-4.9
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-4 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.9 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-4 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2 Pints
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2 Pints

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6.6 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	27.1 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.4 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	17 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.2

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	OB6: 25.0, OBK, OB2: 9.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	OB6: 25.0, OBK, OB2: 9.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-3-6-2-5
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Audi/VW
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Torque	22.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Standard BCI Group Number	49
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	850 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188 °F
Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188 °F
Engine Compression	159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression	159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	144 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	144 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.394; Rear: 0.276 front
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.787 in / 0.394 in / 1.102 in / 0.906 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

6 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

33 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

7 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

7 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., step 2: 20 ft. lbs., step 3: replace bolt and shim

15 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil.

1	30.0 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	front bolts only 6.0 ft. lbs.	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

1	30.0 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 8.9 ft. lbs., step 3: 11.8 ft. lbs., step 4: step 18.4

3.7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

install by hand, step 2

11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 35,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
At 15,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 20,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 35,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 40,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 55,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
At 75,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2011 Audi A4 / S4 dominate in one area — the engine, 11 of 32 reports (34%), well ahead of the next concern. NHTSA has issued no recalls for this vehicle, so these are owner-reported concerns only. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 2 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the engine pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

622

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 2 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 32 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine11

Steering3

Unknown Or Other,Engine2

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System2

Unknown Or Other2

Power Train2

Electrical System,Structure1

Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 622 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_2074729_3	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2028405_5	2026-06-23	Power Train	This bulletin provides infomraiton when there is a Gearbox warning light; DTC P060B00…
TSB_2059335_7	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_1	2026-06-10	Engine	This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_6	2026-06-04	Unknown Or Other	This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A4 / S4. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 49 battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 8R0133843K Fuel filter 8K0201511A Spark plug 06H905601A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 A4 / S4 take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 OR 5W-40 API MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50200, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 A4 / S4 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A4 / S4 get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg.