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Audi A4Model year report

1998 Audi A4 Problems

Complaints
258filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
80,650miles, 101 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 1998 Audi A4 most often report anti-lock brake controller failures that show up as warning lights on the dash and leave the ABS inactive, typically from around 50,000 miles upward. A smaller but consistent group of complaints covers front suspension and steering wear, timing belt failures that damaged the engine, and cold-weather throttle or idle problems. Many complaints come from cars well past 80,000 miles, and several describe the faults as starting without warning.

  1. Brakes

    ABS controller failure (warning lights, no anti-lock)

    • 52 complaints (20%)
    • median 92,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (39 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,850 (median of 16 quotes)
    • filed 1998–2017

    The ABS light, often together with a flashing brake light, comes on and the anti-lock function stops working; some owners say the lights go out again and the fault returns. Dealers and shops typically diagnosed no communication with the ABS control module and quoted replacement at a high parts cost, which owners often describe as too expensive to carry out. Several complaints note that braking itself felt normal, while others report the pedal pulsing or the wheels locking under hard or wet braking. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 120,000 miles, with a few at higher mileage.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the ABS control module has been replaced or repaired, and have a scan tool read the ABS module for stored faults before buying. Confirm the ABS and brake lights behave normally on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Normal driving conditions, no modifications to vehicle, at 80k miles the anti lock brake module fails and the ABS no longer works. The brakes are prone to locking up. The replacement part for the vehicle when out of warranty is $1200. I have been driving it as little as possible until I can save for the repair. Additionally, the cruise control stopped working out of the blue at 55k miles. This module has not been replaced either due to cost.”

    NHTSA complaint #10125758, filed 2005-06, 82,000 miles

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10954021, filed 2017-02, 82,000 miles
  2. Suspension

    Front control arm and tie rod wear

    • 36 complaints (14%)
    • median 74,500 mi at 7.1 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2010

    Owners describe creaking and rattling from the front end, front-end vibration, and bushings in the upper and lower control arms wearing out; in a few complaints a control arm broke and steering control was lost. Tie rod ends were replaced along with the arms in some cases. Dealers inspected the arms under a service action, and some owners said they were charged because the rubber boots showed no visible damage. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 115,000 miles, with some cases at higher mileage in Northeast road conditions.

    Recall 99V2480002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the front suspension inspected with the car on a lift, looking at control arm bushings and tie rod boots, and ask whether the front control arm service action was ever performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Control arms on driver and passenger side have gone bad in the last year. I dont think that is right for the parts to fail like that.. I bought the Audi cause I thought it would be a safe and reliable car, when all it has been for me is a money trap.”

    NHTSA complaint #10102412, filed 2004-12, 65,000 miles

    “The vehicle developed a severe vibration in the front end. The upper, lower suspension arms and the tie rod ends were replaced. There was a severe oil leakage observed coming from the engine during acceleration. Oil was found in the spark plug cavities and the spark plug wires protective sleeve was brittle due to high engine temperature.”

    NHTSA complaint #10113846, filed 2005-04, 109,000 miles
  3. Engine cooling

    Timing belt failure and engine damage

    • 18 complaints (7%)
    • median 76,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2005

    Complaints describe the timing belt or its tensioner failing before the scheduled replacement interval and the engine then suffering valve or internal damage, sometimes leaving the car stranded. Owners said they were told the belt was due later than when it failed, and that repair costs were high. Audi extended warranty coverage for engine damage from a broken timing belt on some vehicles, according to service bulletin records. Reported from roughly 40,000 to about 83,000 miles, mostly below the 90,000-mile service interval.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for dated records of the last timing belt and tensioner replacement, and treat a car with no belt history as due for one regardless of mileage.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Audi A4 1.8t q timing belt tensioner failed at 75,000 causing catastrophic engine damage. Service interval published by Audi is no earlier than 90,000mi. Tensioner failure is known defect and has been redesigned by Audi, yet Audi will not acknowledge the defect. Audi claims no responsibility nor have they published any TSB alerting people to have this part replaced early.”

    NHTSA complaint #10029161, filed 2003-07, 75,000 miles

    “1998 Audi A4 1.8t fully maintained timing belt failure causing catastrophic engine damage. Service manual calls for timing belt replacement at 90,000 miles. Failure occurred at 76,000 miles. Audi USA refusal to gather service info or compensate for loss and provided no avenue for appeal or escalation of the case. Audi USA had made no effort to inform drivers of this problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #10052679, filed 2004-01, 76,000 miles
  4. Vehicle speed control

    Throttle sticks or engine revs high in cold weather

    • 13 complaints (5%)
    • median 89,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2010

    Owners report the accelerator staying open or the engine holding a high speed after the pedal is released, mostly in very cold weather, and in one account shortly after a cold start. Some say two dealers could not find the cause after repeated visits. A separate group reports the cruise control stopping working. Reported across a wide mileage range, typically in temperatures below about 15 F.

    What to check: Ask whether the throttle body and cruise control have been serviced, and test that the pedal returns freely and the engine settles to idle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “In very cold weather, the engine sticks and holds a speed of 6,000 RPM. This condition lasts for at least 40 minutes during which time the car is not controllable. I have had this happen four times. I have involved the local Audi dealer as well as Audi of america. They have attempted to fix this problem four times without success. Audi of america is refusing to either acknowledge or take responsibility for this problem. The first time this happened was on jan 16, 2003. The last time it has happened was jan 16, 2004.”

    NHTSA complaint #10056303, filed 2004-02, 65,853 miles

    “My Audi A4 avant 2.8 quattro 1998 accelerates on its own in cold temperatures ( below 15 degrees f ) and two dealerships failed to find the problem so far. It happens when the engine has warmed up partially, but has not reached it's operating temperature yet.”

    NHTSA complaint #10062371, filed 2004-03, 89,000 miles
  5. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and inflator recall

    • 16 complaints (6%)
    • median 84,500 mi at 7.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2022

    Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on or flashing repeatedly, with the dealer sometimes attributing it to damaged connectors and quoting replacement of airbag components at high cost. Some complaints say the light stayed on with no explanation found. A recall covers the driver-side inflator on certain 1997-1998 A4 vehicles. Reported from very low mileage up to about 90,000 miles, and again on higher-mileage cars.

    Recall 22V471000

    What to check: Check whether the driver-side airbag inflator recall has been completed for the VIN, and confirm the airbag light goes out after the startup self-test.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10992681, filed 2017-06, 158,238 miles

    “1. Airbag sensor light displayed 2. Routine maintenance determines the airbag sensor is not working 3. Dealer estimates airbag replacement will cost $1,700, but is not covered by warranty since its failure is due to mileage and wear.”

    NHTSA complaint #10107625, filed 2005-01, 89,000 miles

Buying note. A 1998 A4 with documented ABS module repair, a recent timing belt and inspected front suspension is the safer starting point; on an unrecorded car, budget for those items and have the warning lights and recall status checked before purchase.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 258 consumer complaints for the 1998 Audi A4. 101 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,650 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 54 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seats (5), Equipment (3), Seat belts (3), Body and structure (3), Engine (2), Other or unknown (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “The anti lock brake control modulator unit failed, and now I have brakes that do not work. At the slightest pedal pressure, all 4 wheels will have a strong pulsating, giving you about 1/3 of the braking pressure that is needed. Volkswagens used a nearly identical part, and their ABS controller is under recall, I do not understand why NHTSA, cannot force Audi of america to do the same. Thank you”

NHTSA complaint #10424468, filed 2011-09, 97,555 miles

Engine cooling: “While driving 1998 Audi 1.8 t along highway when timing belt failed, without warning, wrecking engine. Car had only 58k miles, and owners manual does not recommend replacing timing belt until 90k miles. There is no TSB for the belt but Audi is aware of the problem and requires all new timing belts to be installed in a new configuration.”

NHTSA complaint #10088498, filed 2004-08, 58,693 miles

Suspension: “I received a recall on my 1998 Audi a-4 for a problem with both front suspension lower control arms. When I took it in the dealer said these were okay, but the upper front suspension control arms were bad, and also the steering tie-rods. When I called Audi that it was the upper not the lower control arms that were bad they said they wouldn't do anything because the recall was for the lower. I took it to an independent repair technitian to confirm, which he did. He also said it was dangerous to drive the car with the tie rods in such bad condition. Repair costs are about $500. …”

NHTSA complaint #10103966, filed 2004-12, 59,000 miles

Electrical system: “The problem: ignition switch return spring there is a problem with my ignition switch. After staring the engine, the return spring does not fully return the key to the run position, causing a malfunction of the headlights and climate control. I have found a recall notice (NHTSA campaign id no. 97v115000) describing this exact problem for Audi A4 vehicles which affects vehicles manufactured between 10/1995 and 8/1997 (my vehicle was built within this time period, on aug 13th, 1997). …”

NHTSA complaint #10005244, filed 2003-02, 63,500 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

9% of the 101 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,500 and 101,500 miles.

1%0–100%10–258%25–5027%50–7538%75–10020%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (101 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 80,650 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’97’0050’03’06’10’16’22
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1998 Audi A4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
A4 FWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual202923$3,550
A4 FWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed automatic182922$3,750
A4 FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual182721$3,900
A4 FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162720$4,100
A4 Avant FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162720$4,100
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual172520$4,100
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162519$4,350
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual192722$3,750
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed automatic172520$4,100
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual172520$4,100
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162519$4,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1998 Audi A4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 54 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 54 bulletins →

Other model years of the Audi A4

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20231030,0000—28—Too new
2022632,4003—29—Not enough data
2021112,6744528—Not enough data
202012826,000353084 · MoreRising
20191050,0001530—Not enough data
20184512,000153144 · TypicalRising
20175628,00015310 · FewerFalling
20161145,0000527—Not enough data
20151944,0000526—Falling
20143280,00005260 · FewerFalling
201324101,0000526—Falling
201219109,0000425—Falling
201111105,5000425—Not enough data
20106483,7500—2650 · TypicalFalling
200912065,0002—25100 · MoreStable
200817562,0004—24100 · MoreFalling
200719674,0003—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200629560,0003—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200521958,4003—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200418959,5602—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200321060,0003—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200218130,0001—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200113161,0281—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20009662,9002—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199919075,0004—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199825880,6504—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19979892,4576—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19968966,8214—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Audi A4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Audi A4?

Owners of the 1998 Audi A4 most often report anti-lock brake controller failures that show up as warning lights on the dash and leave the ABS inactive, typically from around 50,000 miles upward. The issues reported most often: ABS controller failure (warning lights, no anti-lock); Front control arm and tie rod wear; Timing belt failure and engine damage.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Audi A4 have?

NHTSA recorded 258 consumer complaints for the 1998 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1998 Audi A4 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 125 complaints (48% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 28.

Has the 1998 Audi A4 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Audi A4 get?

The EPA rates the 1998 Audi A4 (A4, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Audi A4 reported?

Among the 101 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,650 miles and the middle half falls between 63,500 and 101,500 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.