- 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
1999 Audi A8 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 1999 Audi A8 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2) and the wheels & tires (2). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1998 has 7 and the 2000 has 8.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A8 year, for its age
#177 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Audi A8 problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Audi A8 recalls 4
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
- Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
- The risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
- 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. 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.
What owners say
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12 complaints about the 1999 Audi A8
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.
1999 Audi a8. Consumer writes in regards to faulty airbag safety recall. The consumer stated while at the dealership awaiting a recall repair, the vehicle was flooded due to a rainstorm. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealership denied any responsiblity, other than the insurrance deductible. The consumer stated the dealer did not take any preventive efforts to save the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not offer any assistance.
After inspecting my michelin primacy mxv4 tires on my audi a8 I became alarmed about excesive sidewall cracking and searched for recalls...None? Began reading complaints and noticed many other sidewall "dryrot" issues. Will take back to retailer to seek help!? Hope to prevent a blowout!
Mine is a well-maintained, near-pristine, low-mileage car. Without warning or prior indication of a problem, the transmission suddenly ceased to operate correctly while traveling on a busy, four-lane urban highway. It resulted in the car having limited forward motion, poor control, and vastly diminished power, making it extremely difficult to maneuver in traffic. I narrowly avoided a collision with other cars. I managed to drive the car back about 20 miles to my residence in the limp-home mode--one forward...
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gear, the engine revving between 3000 to 5000 rpm's with the forward speed no more than 35 mph. I parked the car and left it for a week while traveling. When I returned it would not move in any gear. I had it towed on a flat-bed truck to an audi dealer. The problem was diagnosed as an inoperable, unrepairable transmission brought about when "a bolt separated from the transmission housing causing a hose to leak transmission fluid which resulted in burnt parts and gears. The cost of a new transmission was $6,800--on a car with only 50,546 miles! After reporting the incident to audi corporate, I was informed that audi could not be held responsible for this event because there were "no open campaigns or service actions" relative to this model. I was very dissatisfied with this response since I have been a long-time audi owner/driver of the a8 and other models. My internet research indicates that the transmission of the a8-d2 models (1997-99) has been a very weak component part on these cars. Please help. *Tr
Timing belt failure at 149,865 km (90,000 mi.) Timing belt replacement, resurface cylinder head, replace guides and valves. Also replaced water pump and thermostat. Total cost $4,951.87 Cdn dealership (southgate volkswagen audi inc. In edmonton alberta canada) was no help, and wanted to replace the engine at a cost of more than $10,000. Repairs done at local repair shop (auto imports edmonton alberta canada) - they were excellent. Wrote to audi to try to claim as a manufacturer's defect - 12 similar reports on nhtsa web site at similar mileage.
Dt: while traveling about 40 mph on newly purchased wheels and tires, consumer struck a pothole, and noticed afterwards the car was shaking and drove home. After examination, 3 of the wheels were bent on a pot hole at a speed of 40 mph. Consumer felt as though vehicle was not safe to drive because it vibrated at a speed of 30 mph or more. Consumer contacted tire dealer, and was told there was no warranty. Consumer then explained to dealer it was unlikely that 3 wheels would bend on a pot hole. But tire...
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dealer would not give a refund. Dealer noted that, that manufacturer had similar problems with wheels bending. Consumer had to have wheels replaced. Borbet manufacturer wheels, german. *Ak *sb *nm
Vehicle's rear passenger doors open automatically whenever power windows are rolled down. Doors will not shut unless owner pulls over and shuts door from the outside. *Nm
1999 Audi a8 continues to erode the inside circumference of the rear tires, approx 1/32nd per 20 days, have placed 4 tires on it and the dealer has played with the alignment to attempt to correct. This has not correct the problem. *Jb
The front bumper fell off twice without hitting any objects. Please provide further details. *Jb
The vehicle's engine stops. Audi attempted to repair twice. The vehicle remained stopping without warning. *Ak
Consumer states that the transmission failed and was replaced, however the new transmission does not work properly, consumer states that the transmissions are clearly flawed, the faulty transmission also caused the abs and brake lights to illuminate. *Slc. Consumer states a front and rear wheel alignment was performed.*Jb
While driving brakes locked up, damaging vehicle, consumer spoke with dealer and they refused to honor recall letter.*Ak as consumer tapped on the brakes, they locked up causing the vehicle to spin out of control, this has happened on 3 ocassions, when consumer arrived to the dealer he was informed that the recall part was given to another customer.*Slc
Audi A8: every year compared
All A8 years1999 Audi A8 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Audi A8 | 12 | 4 | D | |
| 1999 Audi A6 | 217 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Audi A4 | 190 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Audi Quattro | 21 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Audi Allroad | 2 | 0 | A | 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 1999 Audi A8
Does the 1999 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1999 Audi A8: inflator module (January 2020); automatic transmission (August 2008); connecting (December 2000); connecting (September 1999). 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 1999 Audi A8?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2), wheels & tires (2), electrical system (2).
How many complaints has the 1999 Audi A8 had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 4, 2001 and the latest on November 28, 2022. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Audi A8 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A8 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 A8 years have the most complaints?
2013 (50), 2015 (32), 2014 (18). See every Audi A8 year compared.
What should I do if my 1999 Audi A8 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