1998 Audi A4 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 9%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Audi A4, 9% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Rear coil springs failed at 114000 miles- cracked in half, fronts probably next. Vehicle's life has been in the northeast subject to heavy use of road salt; seems spring composition similar to the brake rotors and coil springs on ford products that prompted a similar recall. An issue like this isn't expected from Audi, and is disappointing.”
NHTSA complaint #10242986, filed 2008-09, 115,110 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“1998 Audi A4 fwd / 101,000 miles / broken drivers side front lower control arm / front suspension component (lower front control arm) snapped at bushing as I was parking. Car was rendered limp and could not be towed due to probable fender damage that would be caused by dragging limp wheel. Had this component broken at higher speeds a catastrophic accident would have been unavoidable.”
NHTSA complaint #10060852, filed 2004-03, 101,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016418Nov 24, 2004Service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms. Audi has found that in rare cases, one or both front suspension lower control arms on affected…
- 10011699Nov 24, 2004Check/replace replace front suspension lower control arms.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 18% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 24 | 9% |
| 1997 | 19 | 19% |
| 1996 | 19 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A4
125 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
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 28, 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