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Model Year Problem Record

Audi A4 1998 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 1998 Audi A4: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

258Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints
4Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls
5Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations
11Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Brakes140 complaints

140 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 99V131001.

Engine32 complaints

32 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 98V134000.

Suspension27 complaints

27 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Electrical System24 complaints

24 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Steering23 complaints

23 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 99V248000.

Air Bags17 complaints

17 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 22V471000.

Vehicle Speed Control13 complaints

13 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Visibility8 complaints

8 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Lighting7 complaints

7 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Power Train7 complaints

7 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seats5 complaints

5 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Structure3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Equipment3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Unknown Or Other2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Tires1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

22V471000Reported July 1, 2022 - 28,624 vehicles potentially affected

Air Bags. Recall covering the air bags system, reported to NHTSA on July 1, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 28,624 vehicles across all affected models.

98V134000Reported June 22, 1998 - 19,800 vehicles potentially affected

Engine. Recall covering the engine system, reported to NHTSA on June 22, 1998. The campaign covers an estimated 19,800 vehicles across all affected models.

99V131001Reported May 21, 1999 - 88,121 vehicles potentially affected

Brakes. Recall covering the brakes system, reported to NHTSA on May 21, 1999. The campaign covers an estimated 88,121 vehicles across all affected models.

99V248000Reported September 13, 1999 - 51,900 vehicles potentially affected

Steering. Recall covering the steering system, reported to NHTSA on September 13, 1999. The campaign covers an estimated 51,900 vehicles across all affected models.

Defect Investigations

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened these investigations touching this model year.

EA00021Opened August 11, 2000 - Closed March 29, 2002

DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHER. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

EA04017Opened June 30, 2004 - Closed February 10, 2005

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE. Resulted in recall campaign 04V495000.

PE00016Opened April 4, 2000 - Closed August 11, 2000

DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITION. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE02008Opened January 23, 2002 - Closed July 12, 2002

BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

RQ99008Opened June 1, 1999 - Closed November 14, 2000

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS. Resulted in recall campaign 99V131001.

Complaints by Year Received

When this model year's complaints reached NHTSA - whether its problems surfaced early or late in its life.

19972
19985
199931
200050
200122
200217
200319
200437
200536
200612
20086
20094
20104
20113
20123
20161
20172
20213
20221
How to Read These Counts: complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not failure rates. Older and higher-volume vehicles accumulate more reports, and counts are not adjusted for vehicles sold - no per-sales rate or reliability ranking is shown, because the public data does not support one.

Data as of October 30, 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints, recalls, and investigations files (U.S. Government public domain). DefectRecord is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. For your specific vehicle, use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Report an error.