1998 Audi A4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 9%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Audi A4, 9% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“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“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“This consumer experienced the same problem as stated in NHTSA recall 99v244000. 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. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The consumer requested reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #10090344, filed 2004-09, 41,704 miles“While turning consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front tie rods, and it was hard to turn the steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10063018, filed 2004-03, 74,000 miles“Dt: the contact states that he is unable to have a recall 99v248000 repaired without charge. He purchased a used vehicle last week with an outstanding recall, when he took the vehicle to the dealer to have recall repair completed. The manufacturer refused to offer a free remedy. The recall stated that the tie rods would be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that because there was no damage to the rubber boots the tie rods would not be replaced free of charge. The dealer provided a repair order indicating that the lower control arm was damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10141322, filed 2005-10, 34,528 milesRelated recalls
- 99V248000Sep 13, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles…Covers: Audi A4 1998–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A6 1998–1999 +1 more
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 28% |
| 2013 | 10 | 42% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A4
125 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsAir bags
16 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 27, 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