1998 Audi A4 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Audi A4, 6% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“The passenger side arbag deployed unexpectedly while driving along at 40-45mph on a secondary road. There was no collision at the time and no evidence of potholes or road debris. The dealer scanned the computer and retrieved crash data and claimed that the airbag system worked as expected. They noted a small dent under the passenger side door column of the car which they claimed was caused by road debris and triggered the airbag system. They referred me to my insurance company. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041549, filed 2003-10, 79,000 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“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 report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact recently received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS). …”
NHTSA complaint #11435574, filed 2021-10, 80,000 miles“Passenger's airbag deployed upon impact. No passenger or parcel on passenger's seat, drivers bag did not deploy. Audi continues to deny a problem existed. Audi's own documentation describes a no passenger lock out switch to prevent deployment of the passenger's airbag when no passenger or (heavy parcel?) is present. I was the only occupant in the car, had my seat belt buckled, pretensioner for my seat belt fired but my airbag did not deploy. An interlock, by definition, is either on or off. An interlock or lock out device does not act as a maybe on or maybe off gate.”
NHTSA complaint #709208, filed 1999-07Related recalls
- 22V471000Jul 1, 2022Volkswagen 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…Covers: Audi A4 1997–1998, A8 1998
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 13 | 23% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 116 | 66% |
| 2007 | 119 | 61% |
| 2006 | 73 | 25% |
| 2005 | 54 | 25% |
| 2004 | 26 | 14% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 8 | 4% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A4
125 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology