IllustrationSIDE IMPACT AT 30 MPH FRONT SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *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 AN 1998 AUDI A4 TURBO. WHILE DRIVING IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR THE CAR JUST STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO AUDI AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD SNAPPED AND BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION PISTONS AND VALVES WERE DAMAGED. THE ESTIMATE OF REAPAIR WAS OVER $6200.00 THE SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IS FOR 115,000 MILES…
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I HAVE AN 1998 AUDI A4 TURBO. WHILE DRIVING IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR THE CAR JUST STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO AUDI AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD SNAPPED AND BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION PISTONS AND VALVES WERE DAMAGED. THE ESTIMATE OF REAPAIR WAS OVER $6200.00 THE SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IS FOR 115,000 MILES, THIS OCCURED AT 76,000 MILES. I WAS MADE AWARE THAT AUDI IS NOW RECOMMENDING REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER AT 80,000. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR MORE THAN 5 YEARS, THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED NOR PLAN TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR AND THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO TAKE THEM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT. *AK
THIS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 99V244000. 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. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE …
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THIS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 99V244000. 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. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB
IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP THE CAR. *AK
I HAVE A 1998.5 AUDI A4 QUATTRO V6 WITH THE SPORTS PACKAGE. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT CONTROL ARMS FAILING AND THERE HAS EVEN BEEN NEWS OF AUDI/VW HAVING A RECALL FOR THEM IN EUROPE, BUT NOT THE U.S. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT WHEELS FALLING OFF DUE TO BAD CONTROL ARMS AND MINE HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO NOISE AND TORN WORN OU…
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I HAVE A 1998.5 AUDI A4 QUATTRO V6 WITH THE SPORTS PACKAGE. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT CONTROL ARMS FAILING AND THERE HAS EVEN BEEN NEWS OF AUDI/VW HAVING A RECALL FOR THEM IN EUROPE, BUT NOT THE U.S. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT WHEELS FALLING OFF DUE TO BAD CONTROL ARMS AND MINE HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO NOISE AND TORN WORN OUT CONTROL ARMS. THEY FAILED AT 77,000 MILES AND HAD TO HAVE ALL OF THEM REPLACED (ABOUT $900 W/LABOR). MY VIN# IS WAUED28D8WA35854. MY CURRENT CONTROL ARMS ARE STARTING TO MAKE NOISE AGAIN AND I REALLY FEEL UNSAFE AFTER HEARING ABOUT WHEELS FALLING OFF DUE TO BAD CONTROL ARMS. *AK
WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE CONSUMER WILL GET IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PL…
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WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE CONSUMER WILL GET IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED 14 TIMES.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT HE SOME HOW DAMAGED THE CONNECTORS. *JB
TIE RODS FAILED JUST AS IN RECALL CAMPAIN, BUT I WAS TOLD MY CAR FELL 1 MONTH OUTSIDE OF RECALL DATE, NOTHING DONE. *AK
IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. CURRENTLY MANUFACTURER RECALLED VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 1998 AUDI 1.8 T ALONG HIGHWAY WHEN TIMING BELT FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING, WRECKING ENGINE. CAR HAD ONLY 58K MILES, AND OWNERS MANUAL DOES NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING TIMING BELT UNTIL 90K MILES. THERE IS NO TSB FOR THE BELT BUT AUDI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REQUIRES ALL NEW TIMING BELTS TO BE INSTALLED IN A NEW CONF…
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WHILE DRIVING 1998 AUDI 1.8 T ALONG HIGHWAY WHEN TIMING BELT FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING, WRECKING ENGINE. CAR HAD ONLY 58K MILES, AND OWNERS MANUAL DOES NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING TIMING BELT UNTIL 90K MILES. THERE IS NO TSB FOR THE BELT BUT AUDI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REQUIRES ALL NEW TIMING BELTS TO BE INSTALLED IN A NEW CONFIGURATION. *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