Model year record

1998 Audi A4

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 321 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V471000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected: 28,624
Reported to NHTSA: 2022-07-01
Owners notified: 2021-09-21

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V248000

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting

Component: Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 51,900
Reported to NHTSA: 1999-09-13
Owners notified: 1999-10-05

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V131001

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 88,121
Reported to NHTSA: 1999-05-21
Owners notified: 1999-10-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V134000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Component: Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 19,800
Reported to NHTSA: 1998-06-22
Owners notified: 1998-08-25

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	59	82,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	18	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	15	82,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	13	54,312 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	12	63,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	11	76,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	10	50,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	10	89,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	9	82,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	9	95,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	8	101,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	7	79,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum	7	—
Air bags	6	9,144 mi
Suspension: front	6	115,110 mi
Electrical system: ignition	5	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	5	76,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	5	—
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	5	59,000 mi
Electrical system	4	110,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	4	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	4	70,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	4	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	4	68,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	3	114,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	3	50,000 mi
Exterior lighting	3	110,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	3	—
Steering	3	152,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	3	50,000 mi
Engine	2	158,238 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	2	—
Power train: clutch assembly	2	44,792 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	2	—
Service brakes	2	82,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	2	65,000 mi
Steering: linkages	2	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	2	—
Unknown or other	2	—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	82,000 mi
Wheels	2	92,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	1	89,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	65,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	1	82,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	1	—
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	97,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	1	—
Equipment	1	95,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	1	—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights	1	65,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	1	78,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	110,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	35,000 mi
Interior lighting	1	—
Parking brake	1	—
Power train	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	1	—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	1	—
Seat belts	1	—
Seats	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	82,500 mi
Service brakes, electric	1	120,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic	1	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	—
Steering: column	1	92,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	—
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting	1	—
Steering: rack and pinion	1	—
Structure: body	1	—
Suspension	1	114,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	1	75,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	—
Suspension: rear	1	115,110 mi
Tires	1	78,721 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	—
Visibility	1	98,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	75,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	50,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	1	—

The 1997 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.