1998 Audi A6 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Audi A6, 5% of the 130 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“98 A6 quattro, leaks oil, the car's been in the shop 4 times for this issue(in 2 years time frame), the lower pan gasket has been replaced twice as well as the oil cap. Last time I had the Audi service check it out I have been told they need to take the whole engine apart= huge bill. I see I am not the only one having the hard to fix oil leak.”
NHTSA complaint #10161261, filed 2006-07“Lower and upper gaskets are leaking. These leaks drop on hot parts of the engine and create smoke fume. I had the lower gasket replaced for about $500. I know that similar services are done 2 more times in the history of this car for the exact problem. I doubt that there is a design issue on this area.”
NHTSA complaint #10159421, filed 2006-06“Had received recall notice (#98v134000) & called dealer for appointment. On appointed day took vehicle to dealer. After arriving, was informed no work would be done on vehicle. Vehicle was not brought at binner dealer. Service manager told owner to leave & do not come back . Manufacturer said nothing can be done, and not to bring vehicle back again. Dealership is independent.ak”
NHTSA complaint #828547, filed 1998-10“This automobile has performed poorly since its purchase. Within 2 weeks of purchase the engine failed and the car would not start and needed to be towed to the dealership. 6 months later the fuel sending gauge failed when the auto ran out of gas. The fuel sending unit was replaced 2 times and I was told the new ones were not better than the original. The 3rd time this occured the dealership filed down the contact points. …”
NHTSA complaint #733483, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 98V134000Jun 22, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become…Covers: Audi A6 1998, A4 1998, Volkswagen Passat 1998
Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 18% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 2 | 12% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 17% |
| 2001 | 18 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 17 | 8% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
| 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 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 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