1998 Audi A6 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 15%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Audi A6, 15% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Complaint 1) heated steering wheel would burn hands in selected locatios before turning off. Dealer indicated to me they were aware of this and if I wanted it fixed would have to purchase a new steering wheel as my car was out of warranty. I feel this is a safety issue that should be handled by Audi with replacement. Complaint 2) rear brake pads replaced three times on car with 50,000 miles. This does not make sense as front brakes take most of wear. At my last repair on 9/22/03, it cost me $418 dollars to replace rear pads and rotors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10039635, filed 2003-09, 12,000 miles“I own a 1998 Audi A6. This vehicle has been driven approx 75 000 miles. Several months ago the ABS control unit (brakes) failed. I was quoted a price of $1085 by the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. There are no used parts available. When I made an appoitment to have the unit replaced I was informed that Audi no longer manufactures the origional replacement part at a cost of $1085. Rather, Audi has remanufactured the replacement part and the new cost is approx $2000.00. I verified the cost of the remanufactured replacement part by calling a few dealerships. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100104, filed 2004-11, 70,000 miles“1998 Audi A6 with 130,000 miles; ABS/brake lights on dash illuminate with piercing tones, first intermittently, now upon startup and drive off. Manual states this is an emergency situation, and driver could possibly lose control of vehicle. Dealer states repairs $1500.00+ for complete ABS replacement...Audi owner forums include many others with identical problems...no other repair options were offered by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10144564, filed 2005-12, 125,000 miles“Intermittent ABS/brake light 1998 Audi A6 quattro 2.8l, Audi dealer says it has faulty ABS module which would need to be replaced. Cost: $2,148.00 plus labor. Nothing was done to correct the failure. Dealer says it is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10098425, filed 2004-11, 103,000 miles“Antilock brake system (ABS) control module is apparently failing or has failed. Both the ABS and brake lights on the dashboard illuminate irregularly accompanied by three loud warning tones. Both lights likewise turn off without warning. Dealer claims that no code is being returned from ABS unit. Advised that sometimes ABS will be available and sometimes not. Cost to replace ABS control module was quoted at $2,400. Advised to ignore warning lights and sounds if cost was unreasonable.”
NHTSA complaint #10114825, filed 2005-03, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V131001May 21, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake…Covers: Audi A6 1998–1999, A4 1997–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999
Related service bulletins
- 10028008Nov 19, 2008Audi: abs activates during light brake application . Control noises are heard from the abs unit at low speed without brake application.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 4 | 8% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 4 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 11% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 6 | 9% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 14 | 12% |
| 2000 | 29 | 20% |
| 1999 | 39 | 18% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A6
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsAir bags
4 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 30, 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