1998 Audi A6 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Audi A6, 3% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Airbag warning light stayed on after the engine started - diagnostics conducted at a Audi dealership. Customer informed by service department that the airbag unit is faulty and whole unit needs to be changed (cost quosted $800) - also informed need left tie rod end (previous similar complaint regarding tie rod on NHTSA web site)”
NHTSA complaint #10130112, filed 2005-07, 79,000 miles“1) traveling southbound on route 28 in sterling, virginia between sterling rd and old ox rd (route 606) at 8:25 pm on august 18, 2004. 2) both passenger side side impact airbags exploded without any impact (or accident) of anykind occuring. Driver (myself) maintained control of the vehicle in moderately heavey traffic and pulled the car over when safe at dulles international airport. 3) problem reported to Audi USA customer service on 8/19/04. No response from Audi as of today.”
NHTSA complaint #10088399, filed 2004-08, 83,000 miles“Takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V056000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11428048, filed 2021-08“While driving 50-55 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming out of driver's air bag. Consumer immediately pulled over, turned the engine off and out, and within two minutes vehicle was on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10066753, filed 2004-04Related recalls
- 20V056000Jan 31, 2020Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4…Covers: Audi A6 1998–2000, A4 1999–2000, TT 2000–2001 +1 more
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 9% |
| 2017 | 6 | 30% |
| 2016 | 8 | 16% |
| 2015 | 4 | 18% |
| 2014 | 7 | 17% |
| 2013 | 18 | 35% |
| 2012 | 15 | 25% |
| 2011 | 12 | 57% |
| 2010 | 11 | 65% |
| 2009 | 17 | 81% |
| 2008 | 49 | 69% |
| 2007 | 32 | 60% |
| 2006 | 40 | 60% |
| 2005 | 43 | 47% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 15 | 13% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 3 | 6% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A6
35 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Audi A6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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