IllustrationAUDI A4 QUATTRO, 1998, 2.8L ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. ABS LIGHT AND BLINKING BREAK LIGHT DISPLAYED ON DASH WARNING LIGHTS. CARRERA MOTORS OF BEND, OR DEFINED THE PROBLEM AS NO COMMUNICATION/FAULTY ABS CONTROL MODULE /N #8E0 614 111M . *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
What owners actually said
258 reportsI 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
MY 1998 AUDI A4 TQM HAS 85K MILES ONIT. I JUST HAD ALL THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME (FIRST TIEM DONE UNDER RECALL) BECAUS EIT WAS CREAKING AND GROWNING. BOTH TIE RODSENDS AND ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED AS WELL. AUDI ADVISES THESE ARE "WEAR ITEMS" EVEN THOUGH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS …
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MY 1998 AUDI A4 TQM HAS 85K MILES ONIT. I JUST HAD ALL THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME (FIRST TIEM DONE UNDER RECALL) BECAUS EIT WAS CREAKING AND GROWNING. BOTH TIE RODSENDS AND ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED AS WELL. AUDI ADVISES THESE ARE "WEAR ITEMS" EVEN THOUGH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WER EORIGINALLY REPLACED UNDER RECALL, AND HAVE ONLY 45000 MILES ON THEM! *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE TIMING BELT FAILED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE, GOES INTO NON-ANTILOCK MODE. THE FAILURE IS CONSTANT, IT FAILS EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED.*AK
WITHOUT WARNING, THE TIMING BELT ON MY 1998 AUDI A4 FAILED, RESULTING IN SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND LEAVING MY FAMILY STRANDED IN THE MOUNTAINS. AUDI HAS KNOW ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE TIMING BELT PROBLEM FOR YEARS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR NOTIFY CUSTOMERS. MAZDA HAD A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THEIR TIMING…
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WITHOUT WARNING, THE TIMING BELT ON MY 1998 AUDI A4 FAILED, RESULTING IN SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND LEAVING MY FAMILY STRANDED IN THE MOUNTAINS. AUDI HAS KNOW ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE TIMING BELT PROBLEM FOR YEARS, AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR NOTIFY CUSTOMERS. MAZDA HAD A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THEIR TIMING BELTS (SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V134/MAZDA RECALL NO. 92007); WHY HASN'T AUDI RECALLED THE CARS AND FIXED THIS PROBLEM??*AK
WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AT THE BALL JOINT. WAS PROBABLY TRAVELING 10-15 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON A 50MPH ROAD. THE FRONT LEFT HIT THE GROUND AND THE CAR STOPPED QUICKLY. THE WHEEL WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FENDER. THE CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN REPL…
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WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AT THE BALL JOINT. WAS PROBABLY TRAVELING 10-15 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON A 50MPH ROAD. THE FRONT LEFT HIT THE GROUND AND THE CAR STOPPED QUICKLY. THE WHEEL WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FENDER. THE CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN REPLACED. *AK
TURNING OF THE IGNITION KEY - THE KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS NEUTRAL POSITION THEREBY NOT ACTIVATING KEY ESSENTIAL ELECTRICAL DRIVING COMPONENTS SUCH AS LIGHTS AND WIPERS, ETC. *AK
I HAVE HAD A RECENT DISCUSSION WITH AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE, FILE #40182122. THIS IS REGARDING A DEFECT IN MY MODEL YEAR 1998 AUDI A4 2.8. OR AUDI A4 2.8 MANUFACTURED JULY OF 1997. I RESEARCHED THE WEB AND SAW HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH. MY IGNITION SWITCH GOT STUCK IN BOTH THE RUN AND LATER START…
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I HAVE HAD A RECENT DISCUSSION WITH AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE, FILE #40182122. THIS IS REGARDING A DEFECT IN MY MODEL YEAR 1998 AUDI A4 2.8. OR AUDI A4 2.8 MANUFACTURED JULY OF 1997. I RESEARCHED THE WEB AND SAW HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH. MY IGNITION SWITCH GOT STUCK IN BOTH THE RUN AND LATER START POSITION. THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ALSO IT CAUSED THE CLIMATE CONTROL NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY BY NOT TURNING ON, THE SCREEN WAS BLACK. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I SAW MANY OTHER 1998 AUDI OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. EVEN MORE SIMILIAR WITH THE FACT THAT WE HAD A 1998 MODEL YEAR CAR THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 1997. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN # LE (00V-317) IS A LITTLE AMBIGOUS STATING MODEL YEARS AND MANUFACTURE DATES. MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURE DATE BUT NOT THE RECALL DATE. IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANY PRUDENT AND REASONABLE PERSON THAT CARS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO AUGUST OF 1997 EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MODEL YEAR 1998 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I SAW SOME RESPONES TO OTHER OWNERS REGARDING THIS SITUATION AND A RESOLVEMENT IN THE MATTER WITH AUDI INCLUDING US POOR OWNERS WHO BOUGHT A CAR IN THE SWITCH OF MODEL YEARS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN RESOLVE THIS MATTER AS WELL. HOW CAN MY CAR GET INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO PROCEED. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRE AT TOM WILLIAMS AUDI IN BIRMINGHAM, AL (205) 397-2700. *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
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