1998 Audi A4 Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A4. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 22V471000Jul 1, 202228,624 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
  Covers: Audi A4 1997–1998, A8 1998

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible consequence: 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.

  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…

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• 99V248000Sep 13, 199951,900 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
  Covers: Audi A4 1998–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A6 1998–1999 +1 more

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible consequence: 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.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

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• 99V131001May 21, 199988,121 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  Covers: Audi A4 1997–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A6 1998–1999

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible consequence: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.

  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.

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• 98V134000Jun 22, 199819,800 vehicles potentially affected
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
  Covers: Audi A4 1998, Volkswagen Passat 1998, Audi A6 1998

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible consequence: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• EA04017Stuck-open throttleClosed · Jun 30, 2004
• PE02008Brake and clutch pedal bracketClosed · Jan 23, 2002
• EA00021Degraded braking in wet weatherClosed · Aug 11, 2000
• PE00016Degraded braking wet weather conditionClosed · Apr 4, 2000
• RQ99008Power brake booster vacuum by-passClosed · Jun 1, 1999

← All problems reported for the 1998 Audi A4