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1999 Audi A6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most A6 years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Audi A6 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 35.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

119 reports with mileage · 98 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports23 fire reports14 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

37 reports
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180,000 miles · Apr 9, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension

TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULD…

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TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I FIXED THE TURN SIGNAL AND CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THOSE RETURNED AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE UNDER COVER/PROTECTOR PLASTIC BROKE OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD BECAUSE THE AUDI DEALERSHIP APPARENTLY FORGOT TO PUT IT BACK ON PROPERLY. THIS POSSIBLY ALLOWED FOR THE OIL PAN TO HIT THE GROUND AND CRACK, WHICH A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY PART OF THAT PROBLEM TOO. I TOOK IT IN TO SEE ABOUT A CRACK IN THE OIL PAN. THEY COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I DROVE TO THE MOVIE STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. A PUDDLE OF OIL WAS SPILLING OUT OF IT, AND THE THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. I HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I'M GUESSING THAT THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE WHAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR.

NHTSA ODI #11194856

96,000 miles · Mar 6, 2013
Electrical SystemFireInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10501872

101,000 miles · Jul 30, 2010
Electrical SystemFire

SMOKE ERUPTED THROUGH VENT SYSTEM. PULLED CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD AND FAMILY OF 4 EVACUATED. WITHIN 90 SECONDS, THE DASH ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. INTERIOR/DASH ETC. WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. MOTOR COMPARTMENT UNTOUCHED BY FIRE. SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HAVE PICTURES OF FIRE AND FIRE DEPT RESPONSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10346307

181,000 miles · Sep 8, 2009
Electrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING MY AUDI A6 AVANT QUATTRO, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH VENT. I STOPPED THE CAR AS SOON AS I SAFELY COULD AND CALLED 911, AS SOON AS I WAS OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE SMOKE BECAME WORSE AND FLAMES BEGAN ROLLING OUT OF THE DASH AREA. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHE…

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WHILE DRIVING MY AUDI A6 AVANT QUATTRO, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH VENT. I STOPPED THE CAR AS SOON AS I SAFELY COULD AND CALLED 911, AS SOON AS I WAS OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE SMOKE BECAME WORSE AND FLAMES BEGAN ROLLING OUT OF THE DASH AREA. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHICH A NEARBY RESIDENT LUCKILY HAD HANDY. BY VIEWING THIS FIRE AT CLOSE RANGE I AM CERTAIN THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY ENGULFED WITHIN MINUTES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT USED A HEAT SENSING TOOL TO DETERMINE THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE OR HOTSPOT WAS VERY NEAR THE FUSE BOX BEHIND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THEY CUT THE DASH APART TO BE SURE THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY OUT. I HAD NO WARNING OF THIS MALFUNCTION AND AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AS QUICKLY AS I DID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283285

85,000 miles · Apr 19, 2009
Electrical System

DURING NORMAL USE AND DRIVING ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. ERRATIC AT FIRST THEN STEADY. DIAGNOSIS: ABS CONTROLLER FAILURE. DURING PERIOD OF FAILURE VEHICLE OPERATES BUT WITHOUT AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON CONCERN AFTER CONDUCTING A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH. MECHANIC STATES THIS IS COM…

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DURING NORMAL USE AND DRIVING ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. ERRATIC AT FIRST THEN STEADY. DIAGNOSIS: ABS CONTROLLER FAILURE. DURING PERIOD OF FAILURE VEHICLE OPERATES BUT WITHOUT AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON CONCERN AFTER CONDUCTING A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH. MECHANIC STATES THIS IS COMMON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266030

9,000 miles · Dec 8, 2008
Electrical SystemFireInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A TOXIC ODOR FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED GREEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. THE SMOKE FROM ALL FOUR OF THE VENTS TURNED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A TOXIC ODOR FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED GREEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. THE SMOKE FROM ALL FOUR OF THE VENTS TURNED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 9,000.

NHTSA ODI #10251116

142,500 miles · Jul 23, 2008
Electrical SystemFireInjury

ON MAY 2ND, 2007 I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR TO BEVERLY HILLS AUDI SERVICE. SPECIFICALLY I INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE THAT PENETRATED MY SINUSES LIKE SULFUR. BEVERLY HILLS AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SAME SMELL AND BURNING SENSATION DURING THAT WEEK. THEY ADVISED…

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ON MAY 2ND, 2007 I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR TO BEVERLY HILLS AUDI SERVICE. SPECIFICALLY I INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE THAT PENETRATED MY SINUSES LIKE SULFUR. BEVERLY HILLS AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SAME SMELL AND BURNING SENSATION DURING THAT WEEK. THEY ADVISED ME THAT CERTAIN PARTS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND I AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR TOTALING ALMOST $2,000.00. ON MAY 10TH, 2007 I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AND DROVE IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. ON MAY 16TH, 2007 I CONTACTED BEVERLY HILLS AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ADVISED MY SERVICE ADVISER THAT I COULD STILL SMELL THE BURNING IN THE CAR AND THAT IT WAS UNBEARABLE. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ON THE WAY THE CAR BEGAN TO BURN A HORRIBLE SMELL AND WITHIN A FEW MOMENTS THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD FROM THE AC VENTS. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO THE LEFT OF THE 405 NORTH FREEWAY AND PUT THE CAR TO A STOP. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY IN FLAMES AND I WAS FORTUNATE TO GET THE DOOR OPEN. I RAN AWAY AND WATCHED THE CAR BLOW UP AND GO INTO COMPLETE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE ARRIVED MINUTES LATER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM THE DASHBOARD. I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET (NHTSA) IF THEIR HAD BEEN ISSUES WITH AUDI A6 VEHICLES CATCHING ON FIRE AND FOUND THAT THEIR HAD BEEN A RECALL CAMPAIGN INITIATED IN JULY 26TH, 2004. IT STATED THAT IN CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA. I CONTACTED THE BEVERLY HILLS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED TEN TIMES SINCE THE RECALL WAS INITIATED. RECALL FOR THE AUDI 1999 A6 - RECALL 04V133000. I CAN PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, IF NEEDED. AT THIS TIME I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST VW OF AMERICA, AUDI OF AMERICA, AND BEVERLY HILLS SERVICE DEPARTMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235531

141,500 miles · Jun 2, 2008
Electrical SystemFire

I PARKED AND SHUT OFF MY CAR TO GO IN A STORE LEAVING A FRIEND IN THERE TO WAIT. I WAS IN THE STORE FOR 2 MINS AND MY FRIEND CAME IN AND SAID THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS, AN ABUNDANCE OF SMOKE. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE AND WITNESSED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO SEE IF THE ENGINE WAS CAUS…

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I PARKED AND SHUT OFF MY CAR TO GO IN A STORE LEAVING A FRIEND IN THERE TO WAIT. I WAS IN THE STORE FOR 2 MINS AND MY FRIEND CAME IN AND SAID THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS, AN ABUNDANCE OF SMOKE. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE AND WITNESSED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO SEE IF THE ENGINE WAS CAUSING THE SMOKE. I OPENED THE HOOD TO REALIZE THAT THE SMOKE IN FACT WAS NOT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I WALKED BACK AROUND TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE VENT AND A MAN WALKED UP TO SAY GET AWAY. IMMEDIATELY I CALLED 911 AND TRIED TO EXPLAIN AS I WAS HYSTERICALLY CRYING. I WENT BACK INTO THE STORE, WHICH WAS RITE AID AND THEY PROCEEDED TO MOVE ANY PERSONS TO THE BACK OF THE STORE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ENGULF IN FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FINALLY SHOWED UP. THERE WAS A CAR PARKED NEXT TO ME AND WAS ALSO DAMAGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229609

82,000 miles · Feb 11, 2008
Electrical System

THE CENTER DASHBOARD DIGITAL DISPLAY ON BOTH MY 1998 A4 & 1999 A6 HAS FADING TO THE POINT YOU CAN'T SEE AND READ THE DIGITAL ENGINE ANALYST READ OUTS TO ALERT THE DRIVER ABOUT ENGINE & ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHICH COULD LEAD TO MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217626

95,750 miles · Dec 18, 2007
Electrical SystemFire

DECEMBER 13, 2007 AUDI OF ROCHESTER HILLS 45441 DEQUINDRE ROAD ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN 48307 ATTENTION: SERVICE MANAGER SUBJECT: SAFETY CONCERN 1999 AUDI A6 AVANT TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS EVENING, SHORTLY AFTER TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATER (WHICH AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HEATER) I NOTICED A…

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DECEMBER 13, 2007 AUDI OF ROCHESTER HILLS 45441 DEQUINDRE ROAD ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN 48307 ATTENTION: SERVICE MANAGER SUBJECT: SAFETY CONCERN 1999 AUDI A6 AVANT TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS EVENING, SHORTLY AFTER TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATER (WHICH AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HEATER) I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR (BURNING PLASTIC) & SMOKE BEING EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE HORN/AIRBAG MODULE. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER, BUT THAT DID NOT STOP THE STEERING WHEEL FROM CONTINUING TO HEAT-UP AND EMIT SMOKE. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS AND OPEN THE SUNROOF (VERY ENJOYABLE IN 30 DEGREE TEMPERATURE!) IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO VENTILATE THE CABIN & BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. AFTER ARRIVING HOME, I LOCATED THE FUSE RELATED TO THE STEERING WHEEL HEATER AND REMOVED IT SO THAT I COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO YOUR SHOP. (THE FUSE IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE.) THIS OBVIOUSLY POSES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RISKS: FIRE HAZARD EMISSION OF TOXIC FUMES IN THE CABIN RISK OF INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM INVESTIGATED AND CONTACT ME WITH THE FINDINGS, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. SINCERELY, KEN GUITY *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212201

Official recalls

9

20V056000 · 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.

00V414000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting

Dec 6, 2000

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.

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.

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

8

RQ06003 · 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.

EA03025 · Drivers Side Dash Fire

Opened Nov 25, 2003 · Closed May 7, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Additional source detail variants (10)

Electrical System

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

Electrical System:wiring

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.

PE03035 · Drivers Side Dashboard Fire

Opened Jul 25, 2003 · Closed Nov 25, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Electrical System

OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

Electrical System:wiring

OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

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.