IllustrationI HAVE 1998 AUDI A4 2.8 QUATRO. ABS AND BREAK LIGHTS IS ON. WORD ON THE VW/AUDI TECH CIRCLE IS THAT THE BOSCH 5.3 MODULE IS MALFUNCTIONING AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL RATE. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL ON THIS PART.*AK
1998 Audi A4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most A4 years
Owner complaints for the 1998 Audi A4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 76.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all A4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
10–25K
825–50K
2750–75K
3875–100K
20100–150K
8150K+
102 reports with mileage · 156 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
112 reportsANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE, GOES INTO NON-ANTILOCK MODE. THE FAILURE IS CONSTANT, IT FAILS EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED.*AK
ABS CONTROLLER IS DEFECTIVE, COST $1000 TO REPLACE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY INDEPENDENT AUDI MEHCANIC AND SAID THERE ARE A LOT OF THE CONTROLLERS GOING OUT ON MY YEAR CAR WHICH IS A 1998.5. *AK
THE ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. THE ABS MIL WOULD COME ON AT RANDOM AND STAY ON. NOW IT IS ON ALL THE TIME THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON. *LA
ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE AND INACTIVE, WHICH IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *LA
MULTITUDE OF PROBS. W/ ALMOST EVERY ASPECT (BRAKES, ENGINE VALVES, OIL LIGHT STAYS ON, RAIN LEAKS, BAD WHEEL BEARINGS, ETC.) OF THIS CAR. MOST FRUSTRATING HAS BEEN RUDE AND INCOMPETENT SERVICE BY AUDI DEALER. AFTER AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS THE DEALER SAID THAT ALTHOUGH NOT ALL THE NOISE WAS GONE, THE CAR W…
Read full complaint
MULTITUDE OF PROBS. W/ ALMOST EVERY ASPECT (BRAKES, ENGINE VALVES, OIL LIGHT STAYS ON, RAIN LEAKS, BAD WHEEL BEARINGS, ETC.) OF THIS CAR. MOST FRUSTRATING HAS BEEN RUDE AND INCOMPETENT SERVICE BY AUDI DEALER. AFTER AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS THE DEALER SAID THAT ALTHOUGH NOT ALL THE NOISE WAS GONE, THE CAR WAS SAFE ENOUGH TO DRIVE TO CALIF.,(WE LIVE IN NJ). WE DID NOT BELIEVE THE DEALER BECAUSE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE REMAINED AND TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP WHERE BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS WERE FOUND TO BE DAMAGED. WE WERE ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DO SO . *AK
TERRIBLE WET BRAKING PERFORMANCE, THE FIRST 1 OR 2 PEDAL APPLICATIONS IN THE RAIN CAUSE NO SLOWING DOWN. THE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE PUMPED TO DRY THE ROTOR. I WENT THROUGH SEVERAL BRAKE PAD COMPOUNDS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. OF ALL THE AUDIS THAT I OWNED, THE A4 BRAKES ARE THE WORST. HELL, THESE BRAKES ARE THE WORST OF ALL THE CARS THAT…
Read full complaint
TERRIBLE WET BRAKING PERFORMANCE, THE FIRST 1 OR 2 PEDAL APPLICATIONS IN THE RAIN CAUSE NO SLOWING DOWN. THE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE PUMPED TO DRY THE ROTOR. I WENT THROUGH SEVERAL BRAKE PAD COMPOUNDS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. OF ALL THE AUDIS THAT I OWNED, THE A4 BRAKES ARE THE WORST. HELL, THESE BRAKES ARE THE WORST OF ALL THE CARS THAT I OWNED! *NLM
1998 AUDI A4 1.8 LITER QUATTRO. EXPERIENCING REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY WHEN BRAKES ARE WET. THIS IS THE EXACT COMPLAINT BEING INVESTIGATED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE00016. THE BRAKES WORK FINE WHEN DRY, BUT EFFECTIVENESS IS GREATLY REDUCED WHEN WET, AND STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY, CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. *N…
Read full complaint
1998 AUDI A4 1.8 LITER QUATTRO. EXPERIENCING REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY WHEN BRAKES ARE WET. THIS IS THE EXACT COMPLAINT BEING INVESTIGATED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE00016. THE BRAKES WORK FINE WHEN DRY, BUT EFFECTIVENESS IS GREATLY REDUCED WHEN WET, AND STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY, CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. *NLM
CAR EXPERIENCES DIMINISHED BRAKING ABILITIES UNDER WET/COLD CONDITIONS. IF ROADS ARE WET, EVEN IF ABOVE FREEZING CONDITIONS, BRAKING SUDDENLY TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC RESULTS IN NEAR CRASHES OR DANGEROUS SWERVING TO AVOID ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT DUE TO POOR ROAD CONDITIONS BUT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE AUDI'S BRAKING ABILITIES IN WE…
Read full complaint
CAR EXPERIENCES DIMINISHED BRAKING ABILITIES UNDER WET/COLD CONDITIONS. IF ROADS ARE WET, EVEN IF ABOVE FREEZING CONDITIONS, BRAKING SUDDENLY TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC RESULTS IN NEAR CRASHES OR DANGEROUS SWERVING TO AVOID ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT DUE TO POOR ROAD CONDITIONS BUT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE AUDI'S BRAKING ABILITIES IN WET CONDITIONS. VERY DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE. HAVE RECENTLY TRADED IN VEHICLE AND INCURRED LARGE FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO THIS AND OTHER SERIOUS PROBLEMS. *JB
I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN TRYING TO STOP IN MY 1998 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO. IN DRY WEATHER BRAKING IS FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM MORE THAN CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE IF I WOULD NOT KEEP A GREATER DISTANCE KNOWING THE HORRIBLE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER.…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN TRYING TO STOP IN MY 1998 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO. IN DRY WEATHER BRAKING IS FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM MORE THAN CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE IF I WOULD NOT KEEP A GREATER DISTANCE KNOWING THE HORRIBLE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER.*JB
Official recalls
422V471000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 1, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
99V248000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Sep 13, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
99V131001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
May 21, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: 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.
98V134000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
Jun 22, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5EA04017 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Jun 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
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.
PE02008 · Brake And Clutch Pedal Bracket
Opened Jan 23, 2002 · Closed Jul 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
No summary supplied.
EA00021 · Degraded Braking In Wet Weather
Opened Aug 11, 2000 · Closed Mar 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE00016 · Degraded Braking Wet Weather Condition
Opened Apr 4, 2000 · Closed Aug 11, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008 · Power Brake Booster Vacuum BY-PASS
Opened Jun 1, 1999 · Closed Nov 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available