1998 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Audi A4: 4 recalls, 258 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V134000 · 1998 · 19,800 vehicles
What's wrong: If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Why it matters: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
The fix: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V131001 · 1999 · 88,121 vehicles
What's wrong: A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold May not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
Why it matters: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
The fix: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V248000 · 1999 · 51,900 vehicles
What's wrong: The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals May not seal properly.
Why it matters: If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V471000 · 2022 · 28,624 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi a8 and 1997-1998 Audi a4 vehicles equipped with non-azide driver air bag inflators (nadi) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (112): the most common themes are warning light on (9).
- Engine & cooling (28): the most common themes are leaks (5), stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Suspension (24): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), steering problems (4).
- Steering (23): the most common themes are steering problems (10), noise or vibration (3).
The 1998 Audi A4 has 258 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (2.8× the average A4 year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (48 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 80,650 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (98 complaints, 6 recalls), 1999 (190 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 29 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 27 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Audi A4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Audi A4, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (112), engine & cooling (28), suspension (24).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Audi A4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.