1998 Audi A4 recalls
Air Bags · NHTSA 22V471000 · Jul 1, 2022
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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…
28,624 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
87,745 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
27,176 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Steering · NHTSA 99V248000 · Sep 13, 1999
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
51,900 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Fix: 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.
88,121 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
Fix: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
19,800 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Air Bags · Jan 27, 2022 · GA
Recall 69bt was not accomplished at McDaniels Audi of Charleston dealer. They indicated they had replaced airbag with 8D0898201A kit.
Air Bags · Oct 5, 2021 · 80,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injured
The contact owned a 1998 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH with his 12-year-old son sitting in the passenger seat, he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries, however, his son sustained a broken rib and was transported to the hospital. A police…
Air Bags · Jul 7, 2021 · CA
Takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V056000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
Air Bags · Apr 28, 2021 · SC
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V056000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had…
Engine · Jun 1, 2017 · 158,238 miles · TX
The airbag fault light and ABS light have been on ever since I had the vehicle, thinking that it may be a fault by the manufacturer as seeing very common problems in many websites. Another main concerned is the fault of the manufacturer's engine design causing engine damage from oil sludge. My concern is for future prevention measures.
Air Bags · Jun 1, 2017 · 158,238 miles · TX
The airbag fault light and ABS light have been on ever since I had the vehicle, thinking that it may be a fault by the manufacturer as seeing very common problems in many websites. Another main concerned is the fault of the manufacturer's engine design causing engine damage from oil sludge. My concern is for future prevention measures.
Service Brakes · Jun 1, 2017 · 158,238 miles · TX
The airbag fault light and ABS light have been on ever since I had the vehicle, thinking that it may be a fault by the manufacturer as seeing very common problems in many websites. Another main concerned is the fault of the manufacturer's engine design causing engine damage from oil sludge. My concern is for future prevention measures.
Service Brakes · Feb 11, 2017 · 82,000 miles · DC
The amber ABS warning light glows while the red brake light blinks. I understand newer audi models have just been recalled for ABS issues, but my 1998 a4 was not included in the recall. Braking appears normal, and warning light illumination is sporadic.
Engine · Nov 21, 2016 · FL
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact had the turbo replaced in the vehicle; however, months later, the vehicle stalled. The contact felt unsafe in the vehicle because she believed that a crash could occur due to the stalling. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
Electrical System · May 29, 2012 · 201,000 miles · TN · fire
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact stated that he smelled a burning wire odor upon starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers and various other electrical components were not functioning. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle…
Exterior Lighting · Apr 5, 2012 · 190,000 miles · MN
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact stated that the amber reflector headlights illuminated poorly and decreased vision. The dealer was notified, but denied any assistance to repair the vehicle because the VIN was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 06E049000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not…
Exterior Lighting · Apr 2, 2012 · MN
I have had a recent discussion with audi customer service manager in wayzata, mn at 11:55AM. This is regarding a defect in my model year 1998 audi a4 2.8., or audi a4 2.8 manufactured june of 1997. I researched the web and saw hundreds of similar complaints regarding the light switch. I turned my light switch on and the low beam and high beam do not work. The temporary high…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1998 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls covering the 1998 Audi A4, the most recent one (22V471000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Audi A4?
Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are service brakes, hydraulic (128), engine and engine cooling (30), suspension (27).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1998 Audi A4?
Owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires, 16 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 1998 Audi A4?
NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA04017: Stuck-open throttle.