1998 Audi A4 problems
Owners have filed 321 complaints about the 1998 Audi A4 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 39.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 9.3%.
Complaints321
Crashes9
Fires2
Injuries16
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 39.9% · 128
Engine and engine cooling 9.3% · 30
Suspension 8.4% · 27
Electrical system 7.5% · 24
Steering 7.2% · 23
Air bags 5.3% · 17
Vehicle speed control 4.0% · 13
Service brakes, air 3.1% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 16 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 15 model years of the Audi A4 in this data, 1998 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2006 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 8 in the last three years against 9 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 82,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My A4 exhibits a severe delay (3-4 secs) in braking force when the brakes get wet (I.E. Any time it rains). This is not normal and seems quite hazardous. It only happens when the brakes get wet, which always happens driving in rain (and I don't mean driving through puddles). Dealer's latest story is that Audi is aware of problem but has no fix. Some (not all) owners of this car model have the same complaint. Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 1998 Audi A4. The contact noticed that the abs warning lights sporadically illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the antilock:control unit/module failed, and the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The cost would exceed $1,100 because there was no recall for that component. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 130,000 miles
The anti lock brake control modulator unit failed, and now I have brakes that do not work. At the slightest pedal pressure, all 4 wheels will have a strong pulsating, giving you about 1/3 of the braking pressure that is needed. Volkswagens used a nearly identical part, and their abs controller is under recall, I do not understand why nhtsa, cannot force Audi of america to do the same. Thank you Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 97,555 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…