IllustrationTHE CONTROL ARMS (CAR HAS: 4 UPPER AND 4 LOWER IN TOTAL) HAVE FAILED 3X IN 2 YEARS. THESE ARE DEFECTIVE AND AUDI KNOWS IT. THE ARMS CONTAIN A BUSHING THAT WEARS OUT CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO MAKE CREAKING AND RATTLING NOISES.*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 reportsAUDI A4 1.8T Q TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED AT 75,000 CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. SERVICE INTERVAL PUBLISHED BY AUDI IS NO EARLIER THAN 90,000MI. TENSIONER FAILURE IS KNOWN DEFECT AND HAS BEEN REDESIGNED BY AUDI, YET AUDI WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT. AUDI CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY NOR HAVE THEY PUBLISHED ANY TSB AL…
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AUDI A4 1.8T Q TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED AT 75,000 CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. SERVICE INTERVAL PUBLISHED BY AUDI IS NO EARLIER THAN 90,000MI. TENSIONER FAILURE IS KNOWN DEFECT AND HAS BEEN REDESIGNED BY AUDI, YET AUDI WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT. AUDI CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY NOR HAVE THEY PUBLISHED ANY TSB ALERTING PEOPLE TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED EARLY. *AK
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 AUDI A4 1.8T CAR. MY COMPLAINT IS MY TIMING BELT GAVE OUT ON THE VEHICLE AT 48,643 MLS. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT THE BELT SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 90,000 MLS. MY SECOND COMLAINT IS THAT THE TIE RODS ON THE FRONT END. *AK OF THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE REPLACED. THESE ITEMS SHOULD NOT BE GIVING OUT ON A VEHICL…
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I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 AUDI A4 1.8T CAR. MY COMPLAINT IS MY TIMING BELT GAVE OUT ON THE VEHICLE AT 48,643 MLS. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT THE BELT SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 90,000 MLS. MY SECOND COMLAINT IS THAT THE TIE RODS ON THE FRONT END. *AK OF THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE REPLACED. THESE ITEMS SHOULD NOT BE GIVING OUT ON A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES ABOUT ANY RECALLS.
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…
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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…
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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…
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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
TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING REPLACEMENT OF TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER AT 40000. KNOWN ISSUE WITH AUDI THAT TENSIONER FAILS AS THEY HAVE A REPLACEMENT KIT WITH NEW TYPE OF TENSIONER. YET, WILL NOT COVER COST OF REPLACEMENT OF FAILED TENSIONER OR TIMING BELT.*JB
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAILED, LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND WIRE HARNESS, CAUSING SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OF DAMAGE
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.…
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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
CAR WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL LEAK AND WHAT THE MECHANIC FOUND WAS THE BALL BEARINGS OIL PASSAGE SEALS WERE LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CYLINDER HEADS. REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000 FOR PARTS ALONE. LABOR WOULD BE ADDITIONAL. CAR IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD. *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