1999 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Audi A4: 4 recalls, 190 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Steering Vehicle recall #00V414000 · 2000 · 83,000 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 #20V056000 · 2020 · 106,857 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (vw) is recalling certain 2000-2001 tt roadster, 2000 tt coupe, 1999 Audi a8, 1998-2000 Audi a6, and 1999-2000 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 inflators May absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag May not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021.
3 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.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi a4, 2000-2006 Audi tt, 1998-2005 Volkswagen beetle, 1999-2006 golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt May develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (81): the most common themes are warning light on (14), brake failure / soft pedal (8).
- Engine & cooling (28): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), leaks (3), fire / smoke (3).
- Speed control / throttle (16): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5).
- Steering (15): the most common themes are steering problems (7), noise or vibration (6).
The 1999 Audi A4 has 190 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (2.0× the average A4 year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (258 complaints, 4 recalls), 2000 (96 complaints, 2 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 | 24 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 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 1999 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Audi A4, plus 3 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 1999 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (81), engine & cooling (28), speed control / throttle (16).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 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.