IllustrationWHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: THE FLOOR MAT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL, WIRES WERE DAMAGED, AND A PART THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED PER RECALL FAILED. *SC
1998 Audi A6
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most A6 years
Owner complaints for the 1998 Audi A6 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 35.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all A6 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
50–25K
525–50K
1250–75K
1375–100K
9100–150K
4150K+
48 reports with mileage · 82 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.
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 17 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 reports7 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
130 reportsI OWN A 1998 AUDI A6 WHICH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE BY BRAKING FOR A STOP, THE ENGINE STARTS TO ACCELERATE AND REV ALL THE WAY TO 6000 RPMS. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WAS THE DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, PUT THE GEAR SELECTOR…
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I OWN A 1998 AUDI A6 WHICH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE BY BRAKING FOR A STOP, THE ENGINE STARTS TO ACCELERATE AND REV ALL THE WAY TO 6000 RPMS. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WAS THE DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, PUT THE GEAR SELECTOR IN NEUTRAL, AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE IN A NORMAL FASHION.*AK THIS PROBLEM EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (AUDI CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED) AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE LOCAL AUDI DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.
WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND OUT, AND WITHIN TWO MINUTES VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.*AK
THROTTLE STICKING. *AK
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 0 ACCELERATOR STUCK. CONSUMER CONTACTED AUDI, THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT HAD NO SOLUTION. THEN, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP IN JANUARY 2004, THEY HAD IT REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM BOLTS BROKE FREE FROM SUBFRAME, DAMAGING BOTH FRONT AXLES, BENDING SUBFRAME AND FLATTENING THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO GET THE VEHICLE FROM THE TRAVEL LANE WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR PART AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED.*AK
THE THROTTLE STICKS OPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP, THE DRIVER HAS TO SHUT OFF ENGINE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK
I HAVE AN AUDI A6 2.8 1998 DURING THE WINTER 2003 I WAS DRIVING DURING THE MORNING THE CAR WAS ON FOR 20 MINUTES AND TEMP WAS 14 DEGREES F. SPEED WAS 65 MPH AS I APPROACHED MY EXIT. I LET OFF GAS AN CAR ACCELERATED PUSHED BRAKE DOWN. CAR CAME TO STOP BUT IDLE WAS AT 1800 RPM AND CAR WANTED TO LURCH FORWARD. MADE IT TO WORK …
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I HAVE AN AUDI A6 2.8 1998 DURING THE WINTER 2003 I WAS DRIVING DURING THE MORNING THE CAR WAS ON FOR 20 MINUTES AND TEMP WAS 14 DEGREES F. SPEED WAS 65 MPH AS I APPROACHED MY EXIT. I LET OFF GAS AN CAR ACCELERATED PUSHED BRAKE DOWN. CAR CAME TO STOP BUT IDLE WAS AT 1800 RPM AND CAR WANTED TO LURCH FORWARD. MADE IT TO WORK 1 MILE AWAY BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND HE FOUND NO PROBLEM BUT HE DID CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY. NO PROBLEMS , FOR 3 WEEKS. EVENT TWO: GOING HOME 6:30PM TEMP 15 F SPEED APPROX 60 MPH GOING UP HILL. CAR STARTED PULLING FASTER. DECIDED TO PUMP GAS PEDAL FIGURING STUCK CABLE JUST WENT FASTER. DECIDED TO SEE IF WOULD STOP AT SPECIFIC SPEED APPROACHED 95 MPH REALIZED CAR WOULD KEEP GOING. STEPPED ON BREAK, PULLED TO SIDE FINALLY CAME TO STOP. TURNED CAR OFF , WAITED 30 SECS STARTED CAR. RPM OUT OF CONTROL. TURNED OFF CAR AND WAITED 5 MINUTES. TURNED CAR ON, NO PROBLEMS. WENT BACK ON MY WAY HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES THAT WINTER. TEMP IS ALWAYS BETWEEN 14-17 F CAR IS ALWAYS WARMED UP. NO PROBLEM DURING SPRING, SUMMER, OR FALL YEAR 2004. MOVED CLOSER TO WORK, CAR RIDE NEVER LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES. ONE TIME CAR ON HILL DOING 65 MPH SPEEDED UP PULLED OVER TURNED CAR OFF WAITED 6 MINUTES (TIMED) TURNED ON CAR NO PROBLEM FROM MY RESULTS CAR PROBLEM ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN TEMP 13-17 F CAR IS WARMED UP IF PROBLEM OCCURS PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD CAR IS STOPPED BUT RPM 1800+ TURN CAR OFF WAIT 5+ MINUTES START CAR NO PROBLEMS. *NM
CAR WAS PURCHASED USED (1998 - 90K MILES-ONE OWNER-VERY WELL MAINTAINED) FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER 2003. INCIDENT HAPPENED APPROX. FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2004. AUDI HAS BEEN CONTACTED WITH NO REPLY RECEIVED TO DATE. INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY APPROX. 50 MPH, WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND VERY COLD (APPROX. 25…
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CAR WAS PURCHASED USED (1998 - 90K MILES-ONE OWNER-VERY WELL MAINTAINED) FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER 2003. INCIDENT HAPPENED APPROX. FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2004. AUDI HAS BEEN CONTACTED WITH NO REPLY RECEIVED TO DATE. INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY APPROX. 50 MPH, WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND VERY COLD (APPROX. 25F). AS AUTO WAS CRESTING INCLINE, IT BEGAN TO GATHER SPEED. ACCELERATOR WAS BACKED OFF BUT CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT AN ALARMING PACE. BRAKES WERE APPLIED SEVERAL TIMES AND AS I WAS PREPARING TO CUT IGNITION CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENED IS A MATTER OF SECONDS, BUT WAS DEFINITELY A PANIC SITUATION. CAR HAS NOT REPEATED THIS CONDITION. I WAS REFERRED TO YOUR SITE BY AUDIWORLD FORUM MEMBERS, WHERE I TURNED FOR ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION AND READ OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES. *NM
I REPLACED A RIGHT FRONT TIE-ROD IN 7/03 AND WAS JUST TOLD MY LEFT FRONT TIE-ROD ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED AUDI AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR OTHER 1998 AUDI A6 MODELS. CHECKING THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL AUDI HAVE …
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I REPLACED A RIGHT FRONT TIE-ROD IN 7/03 AND WAS JUST TOLD MY LEFT FRONT TIE-ROD ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED AUDI AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR OTHER 1998 AUDI A6 MODELS. CHECKING THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL AUDI HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Official recalls
1020V056000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 31, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 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 inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
06V198000 · Electrical System
Jun 5, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
04V495000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Oct 12, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L, V6 5-VALVE ENGINES, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WHILE DRIVING DURING EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES THE THROTTLE MAY FREEZE IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO ICE ACCUMULATING IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO REDUCE SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER LIFTS HIS/HER FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL. THIS LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: AUDI WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT THROTTLE BODY KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED IN THE COLD-WEATHER STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING, WILL BE NOTIFIED OF A SERVICE ACTION, UNDER WHICH THEY WILL BE PROVIDED THE FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST.
04V133000 · Electrical System
Mar 18, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
01V157000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
May 3, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
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.
99V058000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Mar 22, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH QUATTRO DRIVE SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS A FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. IF THE VEHICLE IS REFUELED SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED, AND IS KEPT RUNNING WHILE BEING REFUELED, THE FUEL VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM COULD PRODUCE SUFFICIENT BACK PRESSURE TO CAUSE FUEL TO BE EJECTED AFTER A COMPLETE FILL-UP WHEN THE FUEL PUMP NOZZLE IS REMOVED FROM THE FILLER NECK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL SPRAY COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: VW IS PROVIDING A NEW PAGE FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO REQUESTING OWNERS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE A LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT REFUELING INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLED INSIDE OF THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. DEALERS WILL ALSO REMOVE THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FENDER WELL AT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR.
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.
97V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Sep 19, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRE-ASSEMBLY OF THE FUEL TANKS, AN INCORRECT FILLER NECK WAS INSTALLED CAUSING THE FILLER NECK TO NOT "MATCH" THE FUEL CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FILLER NECKS.
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
6RQ06003 · Driver's Side Dash Fire
Opened Feb 27, 2006 · Closed Jul 20, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VOA) CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V133) TO ADD A PLASTIC COVER TO THE TOP SECTION OF THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.THE SCOPE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL COVERED MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2004 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 2004.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED NINE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED, A FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA REPORTS THAT IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY BY THE DEALERS, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS COULD CONTINUE TO CONTACT THE CROSSMEMBER, RESULTING IN A SHORT AND/OR FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA WILL CONDUCT A NEW SAFETY RECALL TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL (AND LARGER) COVER OVER BOTH THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER AND THE PLASTIC COVER ASSEMBLY INSTALLED IN THE FIRST RECALL.ALL OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS AND ALL BUT 3 VOA CLAIMS ARE FOR MY 1998 THROUGH MY 2000.VOA REPORTS THAT BEGINNING IN MY 2001, AUDI EXTENDED THE TIME FOR THE DEBURRING PROCESS OF THE CROSSMEMBER.VOA WAS NOT ABLE TO VERIFY THE CAUSE OF FIRE IN THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES DUE TO EITHER EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE OR OTHER REASON.THE RATE OF FIRE OCCURRENCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FOR THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES. THE RECALL COVERS MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2000 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH MAY 2000.VOA WILL RECALL 66358 MY 1998-2000 AUDI A6, A6 AVANT, S6, AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 59 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 06V-198.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VOA) CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V133) TO ADD A PLASTIC COVER TO THE TOP SECTION OF THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.THE SCOPE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL COVERED MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2004 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 2004.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED NINE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED, A FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA REPORTS THAT IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY BY THE DEALERS, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS COULD CONTINUE TO CONTACT THE CROSSMEMBER, RESULTING IN A SHORT AND/OR FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA WILL CONDUCT A NEW SAFETY RECALL TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL (AND LARGER) COVER OVER BOTH THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER AND THE PLASTIC COVER ASSEMBLY INSTALLED IN THE FIRST RECALL.ALL OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS AND ALL BUT 3 VOA CLAIMS ARE FOR MY 1998 THROUGH MY 2000.VOA REPORTS THAT BEGINNING IN MY 2001, AUDI EXTENDED THE TIME FOR THE DEBURRING PROCESS OF THE CROSSMEMBER.VOA WAS NOT ABLE TO VERIFY THE CAUSE OF FIRE IN THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES DUE TO EITHER EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE OR OTHER REASON.THE RATE OF FIRE OCCURRENCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FOR THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES. THE RECALL COVERS MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2000 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH MAY 2000.VOA WILL RECALL 66358 MY 1998-2000 AUDI A6, A6 AVANT, S6, AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 59 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 06V-198.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VOA) CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V133) TO ADD A PLASTIC COVER TO THE TOP SECTION OF THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.THE SCOPE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL COVERED MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2004 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 2004.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED NINE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED, A FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA REPORTS THAT IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY BY THE DEALERS, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS COULD CONTINUE TO CONTACT THE CROSSMEMBER, RESULTING IN A SHORT AND/OR FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA WILL CONDUCT A NEW SAFETY RECALL TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL (AND LARGER) COVER OVER BOTH THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER AND THE PLASTIC COVER ASSEMBLY INSTALLED IN THE FIRST RECALL.ALL OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS AND ALL BUT 3 VOA CLAIMS ARE FOR MY 1998 THROUGH MY 2000.VOA REPORTS THAT BEGINNING IN MY 2001, AUDI EXTENDED THE TIME FOR THE DEBURRING PROCESS OF THE CROSSMEMBER.VOA WAS NOT ABLE TO VERIFY THE CAUSE OF FIRE IN THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES DUE TO EITHER EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE OR OTHER REASON.THE RATE OF FIRE OCCURRENCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FOR THE MY 2001 AND LATER VEHICLES. THE RECALL COVERS MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2000 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH MAY 2000.VOA WILL RECALL 66358 MY 1998-2000 AUDI A6, A6 AVANT, S6, AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 59 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 06V-198.
EA04017 · 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.
PE04023 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Mar 5, 2004 · Closed Jun 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 70?C (158?F) AND COULD, WITHIN 15 TO 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH AN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW -20?C (-4OF), CAUSE ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY.ACCORDING TO AUDI, THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT RELATIVELY LOW THROTTLE SETTINGS AND RESULTS IN THROTTLE STICKING AT POSITIONS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BRAKING.DURING TYPICAL VEHICLE USAGE (MIXTURE OF SHORT AND LONG DISTANCE DRIVING) THIS PHENOMENON IS NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 70?C (158?F) AND COULD, WITHIN 15 TO 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH AN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW -20?C (-4OF), CAUSE ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY.ACCORDING TO AUDI, THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT RELATIVELY LOW THROTTLE SETTINGS AND RESULTS IN THROTTLE STICKING AT POSITIONS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BRAKING.DURING TYPICAL VEHICLE USAGE (MIXTURE OF SHORT AND LONG DISTANCE DRIVING) THIS PHENOMENON IS NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 70?C (158?F) AND COULD, WITHIN 15 TO 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH AN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW -20?C (-4OF), CAUSE ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY.ACCORDING TO AUDI, THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT RELATIVELY LOW THROTTLE SETTINGS AND RESULTS IN THROTTLE STICKING AT POSITIONS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BRAKING.DURING TYPICAL VEHICLE USAGE (MIXTURE OF SHORT AND LONG DISTANCE DRIVING) THIS PHENOMENON IS NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 70?C (158?F) AND COULD, WITHIN 15 TO 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH AN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW -20?C (-4OF), CAUSE ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY.ACCORDING TO AUDI, THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT RELATIVELY LOW THROTTLE SETTINGS AND RESULTS IN THROTTLE STICKING AT POSITIONS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BRAKING.DURING TYPICAL VEHICLE USAGE (MIXTURE OF SHORT AND LONG DISTANCE DRIVING) THIS PHENOMENON IS NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
Vehicle Speed Control
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 70?C (158?F) AND COULD, WITHIN 15 TO 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH AN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW -20?C (-4OF), CAUSE ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY.ACCORDING TO AUDI, THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT RELATIVELY LOW THROTTLE SETTINGS AND RESULTS IN THROTTLE STICKING AT POSITIONS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BRAKING.DURING TYPICAL VEHICLE USAGE (MIXTURE OF SHORT AND LONG DISTANCE DRIVING) THIS PHENOMENON IS NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
PE03019 · Steering Wheel Heater Overheats
Opened May 15, 2003 · Closed Sep 17, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON FOUR ODI COMPLAINTS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OVERHEATS. VW HAS SHOWN THAT MOISTURE AND PRESPIRATION PERMEATE THE STEERING WHEEL COVER CAUSING THE HEATING ELEMENT TO CORRODE.THIS CORROSION MAY CAUSE A SMALL, LOCALIZED AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO EXPERIENCE A BRIEF DURATION OF OVERHEATING.THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL SUSTAINING COMBUSTION. THE INVESTIGATION HAS FOUND NO OCCURRENCES OF SEVERE BURNING AND NO CONSUMERS REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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.
PE99001 · Fuel Expulsion
Opened Jan 1, 1999 · Closed Mar 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 22, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD TAKE SAFETY RECALL ACTION TO CORRECT THE SPITBACK PROBLEM ON ALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.BASED ON THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL ACTION (ODI 99V-058), THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.