IllustrationNO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1998 Audi A4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most A4 years
Owner complaints for the 1998 Audi A4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 76.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all A4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
10–25K
825–50K
2750–75K
3875–100K
20100–150K
8150K+
102 reports with mileage · 156 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
258 reportsWET BRAKING PROBLEM - DURING RAIN BRAKE EFFICIENCY FALLS TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL. BRAKE SHOES SLIP ON THE DISC AND DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT BRAKING. ABS DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHICH MEANS THAT TIRES DO NOT EVEN TRY TO LOCK. THIS MAKES ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS REALLY IN THE SHOE/DISC ENGAGEMENT.
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 PROB…
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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. *AK
INTERMITTENTLY THE BRAKES DON'T GRAB AT ALL, ESPECIALLY IN THE WET. THIS HAPPENS EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVE FAR ENOUGH TO WARM UP THE BRAKES. *AK
BRAKES INEFFECTIVE FOR 1-2 SECONDS DURING HEAVY RAIN
MAJOR HESITATION WHEN BRAKES ARE WET. (ONE TO TWO SECOND DELAY). *AK
WET BRAKING PROBLEM. *AK
IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, BRAKES BECOME UNRESPONSIVE FOR APPX 1-2 SECONDS, REGARDLESS OF PEDAL PRESSURE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 18 YEARS AND CAN ATTEST THAT THIS IS NOT A CASE OF NORMAL 'REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS' ASSOCIATED WITH WET CONDITIONS. IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CAR WILL TRAVEL FOR 20-50 FEET WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE BRAK…
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IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, BRAKES BECOME UNRESPONSIVE FOR APPX 1-2 SECONDS, REGARDLESS OF PEDAL PRESSURE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 18 YEARS AND CAN ATTEST THAT THIS IS NOT A CASE OF NORMAL 'REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS' ASSOCIATED WITH WET CONDITIONS. IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CAR WILL TRAVEL FOR 20-50 FEET WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. YES, I DO PUMP MY BRAKES FREQUENTLY UNDER THESE CONDITIONS TO CLEAR EXCESS WATER FROM THE PADS/ROTORS.
SINCE I HAVE OWNED TH CAR, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A DELAY OR A LACK OF BRAKING ABILITY WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN. I HAVE HAD A FEW NEAR ACCIDENTS WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY AND I HAD NO RESPONSE. LUCKILY I HAD QUATRRO AND ROOM TO MOVE. NORMAL DRIVING IS O.K. ONLY BECAUISE I KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND GIVE MYSELF TIME TO STOP. THIS…
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SINCE I HAVE OWNED TH CAR, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A DELAY OR A LACK OF BRAKING ABILITY WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN. I HAVE HAD A FEW NEAR ACCIDENTS WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY AND I HAD NO RESPONSE. LUCKILY I HAD QUATRRO AND ROOM TO MOVE. NORMAL DRIVING IS O.K. ONLY BECAUISE I KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND GIVE MYSELF TIME TO STOP. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. I NEED THE BRAKES TO WORK PROPERLY EVERY TIME AND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS. MY 87 MAXIMA HAS BEETER BRAKES NOW THAN THE AUDI. THIS NEEDS TO BE SOLVED OR I WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER SELLING MY VEHICLE FOR A SAFER BMW ESPECIALLY SINCE CHILDREN ARE ON THE WAY. NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR THEM. I HOPE YOU CAN REMEDY. *AK
WET BRAKING DELAY; 15 OCCURRENCES A GUESS, BUT IS ANY HEAVY RAIN - WHEN INTIALLY HIT THE BRAKES IN HEAVY RAING, GET NO BRAKING ACTION, SOMETIMES FOR OVER A SECOND. PEDAL IS FIRM, FEELS NORMAL. AFTER ABOUT A SECOND, WATER WASHED OFF ROTORS AND BRAKING IS NORMAL. COMPLAINED TO DEALER, BUT THEY SAY HAVE TO DRIVE CAR UNDER THESE …
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WET BRAKING DELAY; 15 OCCURRENCES A GUESS, BUT IS ANY HEAVY RAIN - WHEN INTIALLY HIT THE BRAKES IN HEAVY RAING, GET NO BRAKING ACTION, SOMETIMES FOR OVER A SECOND. PEDAL IS FIRM, FEELS NORMAL. AFTER ABOUT A SECOND, WATER WASHED OFF ROTORS AND BRAKING IS NORMAL. COMPLAINED TO DEALER, BUT THEY SAY HAVE TO DRIVE CAR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS BEFORE CAN TAKE ACTION - "HAVEN'T HEARD OF ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS". DIFFICULT TO DO WHEN AM 1 HR AWAY FROM DEALER AND HAVE TO SUDDENLY TAKE OFF FROM WORK AND DRIVE TO THEM, HOPING THAT RAIN CONTINUES. HAVE DRIVEN/OWNED CARS SINCE 1969, HAD PREVIOUS 1990 AUDI - EXPERIENCED NO SUCH PROBLEMS ON ANY PREVIOUS VEHICLE. *AK
Official recalls
422V471000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 1, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
99V248000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Sep 13, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
99V131001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
May 21, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: 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.
98V134000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
Jun 22, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING A COLD-START, AN AIR SCREEN WHICH IS LOOSELY SEATED IN THE AIR FLOW METER CAN BECOME DAMAGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5EA04017 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Jun 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02008 · Brake And Clutch Pedal Bracket
Opened Jan 23, 2002 · Closed Jul 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
No summary supplied.
EA00021 · Degraded Braking In Wet Weather
Opened Aug 11, 2000 · Closed Mar 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE00016 · Degraded Braking Wet Weather Condition
Opened Apr 4, 2000 · Closed Aug 11, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008 · Power Brake Booster Vacuum BY-PASS
Opened Jun 1, 1999 · Closed Nov 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available