- The problem
- 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 event of a crash.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Audi A6 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 130 complaints about the 1998 Audi A6 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (35) and the brakes (19). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1997 has 21 and the 1999 has 217.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical A6 year, for its age
#61 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 130
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Audi A6 problems
Share of all 130 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Audi A6 recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected because the circuit in these vehicles contains a fuse, which precludes excessive current flow in the case of a short circuit. Audi s6 and s6 avant vehicles are all equipped with xenon low beam headlights and, therefore, are not longer affected by this recall.
- The risk
- This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will reroute the wiring harness by installing a jumper wiring harness. The recall began on december 16, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.8L, v6 5-valve engines, and automatic transmissions, while driving during extremely low ambient temperatures the throttle may freeze in an open position due to ice accumulating in the throttle body.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the vehicle may fail to reduce speed when the driver lifts his/her foot from the gas pedal. This loss of vehicle control could result in a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Audi will install a replacement throttle body kit free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2004. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834. Owners of vehicles which are not registered in the cold-weather states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming, will be notified of a service action, under which they will be provided the free remedy upon request.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
- The risk
- A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.
- The risk
- Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. Vw/audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last june in order to install the updated fuel sending units nhtsa 00v137/audi lb). Owner notification began may 1, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact audi at 1-866-892-2834.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with quattro drive system which employs a fuel and fuel vapor leak detection system. If the vehicle is refueled shortly after the engine is started, and is kept running while being refueled, the fuel vapor recovery system could produce sufficient back pressure to cause fuel to be ejected after a complete fill-up when the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filler neck.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, fuel spray could result in fire or possible personal injury.
- The fix
- Vw is providing a new page for the owner's manual and also requesting owners to make an appointment with their dealers to have a label containing important refueling instructions installed inside of the fuel filler door. Dealers will also remove the tire pressure label and replace it with a new label affixed to the fender well at the right rear door.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During pre-assembly of the fuel tanks, an incorrect filler neck was installed causing the filler neck to not "match" the fuel cap.
- The risk
- This condition could allow fuel to escape and if an ignition source was present, a fire could occur.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FILLER NECKS.
What owners say
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130 complaints about the 1998 Audi A6
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V056000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel was found leaking from the rollover valve nipple on the fuel tank. This nipple has been known to crack when the metal ventilation line line adds stress to the plastic nipple. Gasoline was found in a puddle on the floor at the left/ rear of the car. Audi has recalled and repaired this defect on later year a6s but audi of america, inc. Refused to repair the 1998 a6. The gas tank on the 98 a6 is identical to the gas tank on the recalled vehicles. The national highway safety administration has already...
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determined that these fuel tanks present a serious fire hazard and participated in a recall. This recall needs to be expanded to include all a6 vehicles with the defective plastic nipple including the 1998 audi a6 in question.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a6. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the dashboard wires had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage and vin was not available. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a6. While traveling 25 mph, the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle had suddenly dropped to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front lower control arm was replaced twice. The failure continued. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 5/7/12 *cn the consumer stated one month prior, while turning off a road, the vehicle dropped to 25 mph, there was loss of brakes and the vehicle was hard to control. Updated 05/30/10
I am experiencing an issue with my vehicle that was recalled by the factory audi ag but my vehicle was not listed as one of the recalled vehicle. I am afraid of getting stranded due to an improper fuel reading. Please address this accordingly, thank you. *Tr
Dear dot, I've a 1998 audi a6 quattro. My abs system shows warning yellow abs light and red flashing brake light at all time. I've taken my two shops and they both indicated that the abs unit is defective and needs replacement. They tested all 4 wheel sensors on the car and also mapped out the electrical system. The conclusion was a defective abs unit. I've done some research and other audi owner from 1998 - 2001 also have the same issues. If this system is known to be defective, it should be recalled...
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in all fairness. I am pretty happy with this car, but the abs is an uncomfortable experience. It cost about $2000 to replace the abs unit and audi does not want to admit the problem. References: http://audi-vw-abs-recall.Blogspot.Com http://www.Allworldauto.Com/comments/audi_a4_avant_comments_and_complaints_65-34245-1.Html
FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OIL LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST. *TR
I have an 1998 audi a6, 2.8L, v6, quattro, avant with a 115000 mls and my cars's rear seat, seat belt in (the middle passenger "belt shape, one") seat stop working and it is stuck in its open position about 15"-16" out. After talking to the audi dealer near home they said, yeah not working but sorry out of warranty, I asked is this a safety issue for this car? They said no! Its not! I am not sure about that. Is that ok a seat belt in rear seat hardly used by me break so easy?! I have seen many parents use this seat belt to secure there child's car seat to the car's seat? Thank you. *Tr
I purchased a used 98 audi a6 pn 4/28/07. When I purchased the car, the only issues with the car were this gassy smell inside the car when you turn on the heat, and a smoke coming from the some pipe. My mechanic told me that the breather was cut, and it had to be replaced . After fixing the problem which I had to pay for. The check engine light went on. Could not do the inspection because of that problem. A few days later I started while driving I hear this beeping sound. The fuel needle immediately went down to...
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empty, and back up again showing that I had half a tank of gas. I went to check it again. The mechanic could not see anything. So I decided to make an appointment with the dealer. In the mean time, I decided to fill up my gas tank. That's when I realized a gas smell coming from outside the car. Took the vehicle to another mechanic on my way home, to find out that my gas tank was leaking because there is a crack and I could not drive the car under such conditions because the car can set on fire while I am driving it. *Tr
Tl*- the contact owns a 1998 audi a6. There recall 04v495000 in october 2004 concerning vehicle speed control. On 3/08/07 the contact was driving at 65 mph and without warning the vehicle accelerated to 90 mph. The contact was unable to reduce the speed, engage the brakes or place the vehicle in neutral. The contact had to force the vehicle in park with the transmission grinding and turned the engine off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they stated that the vehicle has been serviced for every...
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recall. Road conditions were not a factor. Audi and the dealer stated that the recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The contact didn't agree that the repairs were performed due to the failure she experienced. Audi assured the contact that prior to purchasing the vehicle all related recall repairs were performed. The current and failure mileage were both 100,000. *Ak
Abs/brake light on all the time. I got my brakes changed, my mechanic checked it, and told me the abs system is malfunctioning. *Jb
98 A6 quattro, leaks oil, the car's been in the shop 4 times for this issue(in 2 years time frame), the lower pan gasket has been replaced twice as well as the oil cap. Last time I had the audi service check it out I have been told they need to take the whole engine apart= huge bill. I see I am not the only one having the "hard to fix" oil leak. *Nm
Control arms wear out prematurely causing worn tires. *Nm
Tie rods in the steering systems are damaged. Audi claims they had a recall on these rods and that the previous owner of the car had the service completed back in 2000. Yet, I still have problems now in 2006. I wonder if the fix audi implemented is really effective or not. *Jb
Lower and upper gaskets are leaking. These leaks drop on hot parts of the engine and create smoke fume. I had the lower gasket replaced for about $500. I know that similar services are done 2 more times in the history of this car for the exact problem. I doubt that there is a design issue on this area. *Jb
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40mph and attempting to pass another vehicle, the throttle stuck in an open position. The brakes were applied; the vehicle was shifted into neutral and moved to the side of the road. The vehicle's engine was turned off and on in an attempt to release the throttle, but this attempt failed and the engine raced with the transmission in park. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home and the dealer has been alerted.
On february 4, 2006 I was driving northbound on interstate 95, between exits 15 and 16 in norwalk, connecticut. I was the only occupant of the car, and I was driving in the middle lane at approximately 60 miles per hour. The time was approximately 12:30 pm. Smoke and flames suddenly started pouring out of the vents on the dashboard. There was no prior warning that something was wrong with the car, so there was no opportunity to slow down or pull over to the side of the road. The interior of the car quickly...
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filled with black smoke and the dashboard was covered with fire. The steering wheel locked up and it wouldn't turn at all. Although I could not steer, the car drifted to the right lane. While smoke and flames were pouring out of the dashboard, and the car was still moving, I opened the passenger side door and jumped out of the car. My back hit the guardrail on the right side of the highway and I fell to the ground. Within a minute the car was engulfed in smoke and flames. The interior of the car and all of its contents were completely destroyed by fire. I suffered numerous injuries including smoke inhalation, a concussion, injuries to my neck, back, ribs, legs and pelvis, post traumatic stress disorder, and other injuries. *Jb
1998 Audi a6 with 130,000 miles; abs/brake lights on dash illuminate with piercing tones, first intermittently, now upon startup and drive off. Manual states this is an emergency situation, and driver could possibly lose control of vehicle. Dealer states repairs $1500.00+ For complete abs replacement...Audi owner forums include many others with identical problems...No other repair options were offered by the dealer. *Jb
(1) Purchased auto 10/7/05. Pick-up in miami. Auto has always been operated in florida climate. Drove car to pennsylvania arriving on 10/9/05. On 10/13/05 detected a strong smell of gasoline immediately after refueling and parking in garage. (This was first time car was refueled in pennsylvania and parked in garage). (2) Problem diagnosed as a leak in a seam of the plastic gas tank of the audi a6. Has caused no injuries as yet. Obvious consequence is foul odor and , more importantly, a hazard to the environment...
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and a potential fire hazard. Carfax vehicle history shows no record of the car being involved in an accident, not have I experienced one since purchasing. (3) Licensed repair shop is currently searching for replacement gas tank and determining the approximate labor cost to replace. *Nm
Dt: the contact owns a 1998 audi. The contact noticed noise in front suspension, play steering, looseness in steering, tire wear, and recall on lower control arm. During that recall realized also needed to replace the upper control arms. Took it to mechanic, where he was told that the tie rod ends needed to be replaced. Suggested that it was all related .He told consumer that a recall was on the tie rod end. Audi claimed this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. There was no recall on the...
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upper control arms they referred him to the dealership for service. The dealership told consumer that because the vehicle was out of warranty audi would not do the repairs. No crashes. No police report. No crashes. No injuries. *Ak
Airbag warning light stayed on after the engine started - diagnostics conducted at a audi dealership. Customer informed by service department that the airbag unit is faulty and whole unit needs to be changed (cost quosted $800) - also informed "need" left tie rod end (previous similar complaint regarding tie rod on nhtsa web site)
Dt: on may 31 2005 while driving smelled a burning odor. Then, smoke came from air vents, and smoke got worse. While speaking w/ 911 flames began to come from the air vents. Fire appeared to come from the air vents. Vehicle was operating normally before the fire broke out. There was no warning or codes to owner's knowledge. It was unknown what caused the fire. Owner believed it was an electrical fire. The fire department had a hard time extinguishing the fire, and were unsure as to the cause of the fire. A...
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police report filed. Car was serviced regularly and records were available. The car was moved to a storage facility behind a gas station. The insurance company took possession of the vehicle, and considered it a total loss. Audi contacted the owner about an investigation. There were other recalls but nothing about this vehicle. *Ak
In feb. 2005 A local audi dealership informed me that there was a recall on my vehicle and the control arm on one side needed to be replaced. 2 Months later (<2,400 miles) wyoming valley motors informed me that the contol arm on the other side of my vehicle needed to be replaced. I questioned why it was not covered due to the recent recall and they informed me it was out of the recall period. I asked them why the other side of the control arm was not checked in feb. And the service rep informed me that they indeed...
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checked it. It was not communicated verbally to me nor was it documented on my usually detailed service invoice. I asked service rep that my only option is to assume that they checked it since it was not document. He stated that is correct. I contacted the manufacturer and am still waiting for a reply. Please let me know if you hanle a problem of this nature. If not, any direction in whom I need to contact regrding this frustrating issue will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Antilock brake system (abs) control module is apparently failing or has failed. Both the abs and brake lights on the dashboard illuminate irregularly accompanied by three loud warning tones. Both lights likewise turn off without warning. Dealer claims that no code is being returned from abs unit. Advised that sometimes abs will be available and sometimes not. Cost to replace abs control module was quoted at $2,400. Advised to ignore warning lights and sounds if cost was unreasonable.
The abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Driver noticed that while applying the brakes the pedal went to floor, slowing down and then stopping. Driver took vehicle to the dealer, and the mechanic placed the vehicle on a diagnostic machine, and determined that the abs control unit module needed to be replaced. *Ak
Audi A6: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 96 | 4 | F |
| 2001 | 113 | 7 | F |
| 2000 | 148 | 4 | F |
| 1999 | 217 | 9 | F |
| 1998 | 130 | 10 | F |
| 1997 | 21 | 2 | B |
| 1996 | 54 | 2 | C |
| 1995 | 18 | 2 | B |
| 1994 | 2 | 1 | A |
1998 Audi A6 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Audi A6 | 130 | 10 | F | |
| 1998 Audi A4 | 258 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 BMW 3 Series | 3 | 4 | A | Compare |
| 1998 BMW 5 Series | 0 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Lexus ES | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Lexus IS | 0 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Audi Quattro | 9 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Audi A8 | 7 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Audi 100 | 3 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Audi A6
Does the 1998 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 1998 Audi A6: inflator module (January 2020); electrical system (June 2006); vehicle speed control (October 2004); electrical system (March 2004) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Audi A6?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (35), brakes (19), acceleration & cruise control (18).
How many complaints has the 1998 Audi A6 had?
130 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 21, 1998 and the latest on August 6, 2021. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Audi A6 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 13 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Audi A6 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A6 years have the most complaints?
1999 (217), 2000 (148), 1998 (130). See every Audi A6 year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Audi A6 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data