Model year record

1998 Audi A6

10 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 158 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V056000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected: 106,857
Reported to NHTSA: 2020-01-31
Owners notified: 2021-09-21

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V198000

Electrical system

Component: Electrical system
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 70,512
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-06-05
Owners notified: 2006-12-16

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V495000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 28,300
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-10-12
Owners notified: 2004-10-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V133000

Electrical system

Component: Electrical system
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 172,866
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-03-18
Owners notified: 2004-07-26

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V157000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 70,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-05-03
Owners notified: 2001-05-01

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Manufacturer 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.

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 99V058000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 27,964
Reported to NHTSA: 1999-03-22
Owners notified: 1999-06-08

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL SPRAY COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V160000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 31
Reported to NHTSA: 1997-09-19
Owners notified: 1997-09-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FILLER NECKS.

Owner complaints

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

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	18	75,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	11	92,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	7	103,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	7	81,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	6	79,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	6	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	5	70,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	5	72,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	4	—
Unknown or other	4	—
Air bags	3	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	3	74,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	3	—
Fuel system, gasoline	3	7,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage	3	80,500 mi
Fuel system, other	3	—
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	3	28,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	3	50,000 mi
Steering: linkages	3	—
Electrical system	2	104,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	2	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	2	—
Power train: automatic transmission	2	46,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	2	—
Structure	2	50,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	2	73,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	2	30,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	2	88,000 mi
Tires	2	—
Vehicle speed control: linkages	2	—
Air bags: frontal	1	79,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	1	83,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: switch	1	—
Electrical system: wiring	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: tank valve/gauge	1	—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch	1	—
Exterior lighting: tail lights	1	32,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery	1	72,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	1	224,580 mi
Interior lighting	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	—
Seat belts	1	115 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	1	74,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	1	12,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	120,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	—
Steering	1	—
Structure: body: door	1	—
Suspension	1	150,000 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	—
Visibility: glass, side/rear	1	50,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	1	—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	1	—

The 1997 model has 6 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about half 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.