1998 Audi A6 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 10%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,552miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Audi A6, 10% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,552 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.
“Tie rods in the steering systems are damaged. Audi claims they had a recall on these rods and that the previous owner of the car had the service completed back in 2000. Yet, I still have problems now in 2006. I wonder if the fix Audi implemented is really effective or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10159422, filed 2006-06, 85,000 miles“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“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“The consumer stated the vehicle steering wheel would heat up. The consumer stated the steering wheel would get too hot on his hands. The dealer was notified. The steering wheel had gotten extremely hot every time the ignition was turned.”
NHTSA complaint #10024575, filed 2003-07, 71,552 miles“After recall 99v248000 concerning tie rod failure. After recall repairs were done the problem recurred. Dealership was notified, but would not repair free of charge again.”
NHTSA complaint #10111236, filed 2005-02, 90,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V248000Sep 13, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles…Covers: Audi A6 1998–1999, A4 1998–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10012767Feb 3, 2005Power steering, noisy. To include 2006 models.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 8% |
| 2019 | 12 | 11% |
| 2017 | 5 | 25% |
| 2016 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 20% |
| 2013 | 7 | 13% |
| 2012 | 6 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 6% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 7% |
| 1999 | 19 | 9% |
| 1998 | 13 | 10% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Audi A6
35 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 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 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