Model year record

1998 Audi A4 recalls & problems

The 1998 Audi A4 has 6 safety recalls and 258 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (128 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints258filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths11 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsJul 1, 2022

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 22V47100028,624 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.

Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

SteeringSep 13, 1999

Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

Recall 99V24800051,900 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Risk: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 21, 1999

Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 99V13100188,121 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Engine and engine coolingJun 22, 1998

Cooling system

Recall 98V13400019,800 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING A COLD-START, AN AIR SCREEN WHICH IS LOOSELY SEATED IN THE AIR FLOW METER CAN BECOME DAMAGED.
Risk: SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

A4

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

A4

22mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

A4 quattro

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

A4

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

A4

20mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 quattro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 quattro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 Avant

20mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	128	2	0	3	82,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys; Engine	30	0	0	1	75,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower arm; Front	27	0	0	0	88,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	24	0	1	0	75,000 mi
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages	23	0	1	2	66,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	17	4	0	4	84,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	13	1	0	1	87,450 mi
Service brakes, airAntilock › Control unit/module; Antilock › Abs warning light	10	0	0	0	82,500 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Sun/moon roof assembly	8	0	0	0	71,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Clutch assembly	7	1	0	1	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Brake lights	6	0	0	0	110,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler	5	0	0	3	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
Recall 69bt was not accomplished at McDaniels Audi of Charleston dealer. They indicated they had replaced airbag with 8D0898201A kit.
Jan 27, 2022
Air bagsCrash1 injury
The contact owned a 1998 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH with his 12-year-old son sitting in the passenger seat, he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries, however, his son sustained a broken rib and was transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact recently received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Oct 5, 2006 · 80,000 miles
Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V056000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Mar 1, 2020
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 28, 2021
Air bags
THE AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON EVER SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE, THINKING THAT IT MAY BE A FAULT BY THE MANUFACTURER AS SEEING VERY COMMON PROBLEMS IN MANY WEBSITES. ANOTHER MAIN CONCERNED IS THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER'S ENGINE DESIGN CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE FROM OIL SLUDGE. MY CONCERN IS FOR FUTURE PREVENTION MEASURES.
May 18, 2017 · 158,238 miles
Service brakes
THE AMBER ABS WARNING LIGHT GLOWS WHILE THE RED BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS. I UNDERSTAND NEWER AUDI MODELS HAVE JUST BEEN RECALLED FOR ABS ISSUES, BUT MY 1998 A4 WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. BRAKING APPEARS NORMAL, AND WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION IS SPORADIC.
Feb 6, 2017 · 82,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT HAD THE TURBO REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT FELT UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE BELIEVED THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE STALLING. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Mar 2, 2016
Electrical systemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED A BURNING WIRE ODOR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND VARIOUS OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V317000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
May 24, 2012 · 201,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLEClosedLed to recall 04V495000
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA04017 · opened Jun 30, 2004 · closed Feb 10, 2005
BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKETClosed
PE02008 · opened Jan 23, 2002 · closed Jul 12, 2002
DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHERClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA00021 · opened Aug 11, 2000 · closed Mar 29, 2002
DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE00016 · opened Apr 4, 2000 · closed Aug 11, 2000
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASSClosedLed to recall 99V131001
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008 · opened Jun 1, 1999 · closed Nov 14, 2000