2019 A4 S-Tronic hesitation and jerking from a stop

ClearTheCode guidance (Audi · Buying & ownership)

Summary: For 2019 A4 S-Tronic hesitation and jerking from a stop, work through these steps on your 2016+ vehicle:

1. Confirm the symptom — note when it happens (cold start, highway, after fuel fill, etc.).
2. Scan codes — save all pending/stored DTCs; don't clear until you've recorded them.
3. Check TSBs & recalls — look up your VIN for open campaigns and known fixes.
4. Inspect the obvious — related fuses, connectors, fluid level, and recent repairs.
5. Test the common fix — follow model-specific service procedures; one change at a time.
6. Escalate if needed — burning smell, no brakes, overheating, or stalling in traffic → shop visit.

Owner reported: My 2019 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro with the S-Tronic transmission has been acting up lately. When accelerating from a stop, especially in traffic, it sometimes hesitates before engaging, then lurches forward. I've also noticed some rough shifts between 1st and 2nd gear.

It's got about 60,000 miles on it. This behavior is becoming more frequent and makes driving in stop-and-go traffic quite unpleasant. …

This is educational guidance, not a substitute for hands-on diagnosis.