1999 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 15%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Audi A4, 15% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,900 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The events that LED to the failure of the car is when it started to throw smoke from the exhaust and we found out about the failure when we took it the mechanic who told us the engine was no good. So far im looking for a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10398283, filed 2011-04, 222,673 miles“My timing belt failed at 69000 miles and caused engine damage (replacement of heads). Total repair cost came to $4000. Seems to be a common failure prior to the recommended 90k change interval. I tried scheduling the changing of the timing belt at 6800 miles but was told to wait by an Audi service department. Currently working with Audi for repayment.”
NHTSA complaint #10030852, filed 2003-08, 69,000 miles“At 51,000 miles I had the catalytic converter replaced on my Audi under warranty due to a broken pipe flange. I now have 102,000 on the Audi and the same part is broken. Audi USA will not replace or repair this part. I feel it must be a defect in the workmanship or materials since a catalytic converter should not be replaced until it is worn out and not before then. This is part of the emissions system and the epa should also know about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10164379, filed 2006-08, 102,052 miles“Rapid and catastrophic failure of water pump disrupted timing chain and LED to severe damage to engine, requiring its replacement. This incident occurred while I was driving at night on a limited access road without shoulders. I needed to go several hundred yards, at most, to pull off road for safety. Audi's 3-year warranty had expired, and so it offered no help, despite low mileage and regular maintenance of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10070980, filed 2004-01, 28,000 miles“We own an Audi A4 that we have had too many repairs. The car has needed a turbo at 55,000 miles, oil pump at 63,000 miles, ignition computer at 68,000 miles and rack and pinion steering at 73,000 miles. We are aware that the car is at high mileage, but this car is suppose to get 200,000 miles out of it. The car was serviced at dealers the entire time. We think that perhaps there are defects in the car that other drivers are experiencing.”
NHTSA complaint #10005491, filed 2003-02, 73,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123764Sep 8, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been…
- 10128399Jul 7, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10119945Mar 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10119946Mar 6, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505…
- 10120682Feb 13, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase…
- 10231130Jun 30, 2014Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10122415Jun 20, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10121324Sep 5, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10216662Jun 20, 2013Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10123587Jun 20, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 28 | 15% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 28 | 15% |
| 1998 | 28 | 11% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1999 Audi A4
91 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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