1999 Audi A4

Routine

Owners filed 190 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Audi A4 years to avoid. Which Audi A4 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

100 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Audi A4 problems

84 of the 190 complaints (44%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes36
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration13
200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · brakes13
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys · engine12
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes10
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes7
000
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly6
100
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module · brakes6
000
Tires › Tread/Belt5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine5
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V056000
Filed Jan 31, 2020106,857 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14E007000
Filed Mar 7, 201450 vehiclesThe Gates Corporation

Defect. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. 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.

Risk. A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. 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."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting00V414000
Filed Dec 6, 200083,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting99V248000
Filed Sep 13, 199951,900 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings99V131001
Filed May 21, 199988,121 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jan 28, 2016308,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 308,000.

Structure › Body › Hood1 injured
Filed Dec 7, 2012125,000 milesMA

AS I WAS OPENING THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO FILL UP THE WINDOW WASHER, THE HOOD DID NOT STAY UP AS USUAL. IT STARTED TO CLOSE AND IT HIT MY HEAD ON THE WAY DOWN. I AM WONDERING IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME INCIDENT. LUCKILY, I SUFFERED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE TO MY HEAD, HOWEVER I HAVE ON GOING HEADACHES AS A RESULT. *TR

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Apr 26, 2012MN

MY AUDI, ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE HAD THEIR ABS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION BECAUSE OF DESIGN. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE ABS TO NOT WORK ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN, THE COMPANY THAT PRODUCES AUDIS AND VWS ACTUALLY RECALLED THIS EXACT PART ON THEIR VW VEHICLES, BUT FOR SOME REASON REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR THEIR AUDI CUSTOMERS. THE COST TO REPLACE THIS CONTROL UNIT IS $1,400 - $1,700, AND AS SUCH I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITHOUT ITS ABS FUNCTIONING. BELOW IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PART, BUT ON THE VW JETTA: "2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS NHTSA RECALL ID NUMBER: 02V031000 RECALL DATE: JAN 31, 2002 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 55000 SUMMARY: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). CONSEQUENCE: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987. NOTES: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC," PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND HELP VW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS IMPORTANT MATTER! *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 28, 2012145,000 milesPA

THE CAR IS EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, USUALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS, AFTER HEAVY ACCELERATION. OVER 10 OCCURRENCES. CANNOT REMEDY BY PULLING BACK THE ACCELERATOR. CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF AND THE ENGINE MUST RECORD 0 RPM TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *TR

Tires
Filed Dec 27, 2011118,563 milesCA

TREAD SEPARATION. I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON I-580, APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, WHEN THE TREAD ON MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED AND THE TIRE BLEW. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF OTHER AWARE DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAY WHO ALLOWED ME TO CHANGE LANES AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE TIRE TREAD DAMAGED THE RIGHT FRONT AREA OF MY CAR, CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $4,000 IN DAMAGES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY $3,000 WAS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IS SAFETY, NOT MONEY. I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE TIRE FAILURE. THE TIRE HAD A BIG O TIRES BRAND LABEL BUT IT WAS MANUFACTURED BY COOPER. BEFORE THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS NO ABNORMAL USAGE OR WEAR ON THE TIRE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ACCELERATED WEAR AT THE PLACE WHERE THE TREAD SEPARATION INITIATED, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE SEPARATION. COOPER MIGHT BE THE ONLY TIRE MANUFACTURER THAT DOES NOT USE A BELT WEDGE. THEIR HISTORY OF TREAD SEPARATIONS AND TIRE FAILURES, AND TOTAL DISREGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR AMERICAN CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO REMOVE THEIR PRIVILEGE OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE U.S. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 29, 2011222,673 milesCA

THE EVENTS THAT LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE CAR IS WHEN IT STARTED TO THROW SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST AND WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE FAILURE WHEN WE TOOK IT THE MECHANIC WHO TOLD US THE ENGINE WAS NO GOOD. SO FAR IM LOOKING FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 2011110,134 milesVA

BOSCH ABS CONTROL UNIT HAS FAILED CAUSING A FLASHING ABS INDICATOR AND A SOLID BRAKE LIGHT. CAUSE IS ELECTRONIC. MANY DOCUMENTED CASES FOUND ON LINE. ABS WILL NOT ENGAGE. AUDI WILL NOT RECALL, BUT VW HAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 5, 2011106,100 milesCA

I BOUGHT AN AUDI A4 1999 1.8T FWD. THE NEXT DAY I BOUGHT IT THE ABS ORANGE LIGHT CAME ON & BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING NON-STOP WITH THREE BEEPS WHEN I START THE CAR ITS BEEN LIKE THAT FOR MORE THAN A WEEK. YESTERDAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER AND THEY QUOTE ME 1,200 THAT'S A LOT SINCE THIS PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS UNIT IS POOR MANUFACTURE PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 19, 2010104,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. NO FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 104000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 22, 2010126,963 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTING INTO MANUAL MODE FROM AUTOMATIC. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ADJUST THE SHIFTER TO NORMAL BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE SHIFTER BLIND AND THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,963.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 7, 2010CA

1999 AUDI Q4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE REPAIR OF ABS LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE NOTICED A SOLID ORANGE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND A RED LIGHT THAT WAS BLINKING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAD ILLUMINATED AGAIN AFTER PAYING OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS. ANOTHER DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ABS MODULE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD LOST POWER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS DUE TO A BAD FUEL PUMP. (THE CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER)*JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 201075,000 milesCO

MY BRAKE LIGHT STARTED BEEPING AND FLASHING ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING. THE BEEPING AND FLASHING CONTINUED THROUGH THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE AUDI WON'T RELEASE THEIR SERVICE CODES. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE MECHANIC ASKED ME "WERE YOU DRIVING YOUR CAR IN THE RAIN?" I HAD QUITE A FEW SARCASTIC RESPONSES TO THE STUPID QUESTION BUT I JUST SAID, YEAH. I ASSUME A CAR IS ENGINEERED TO BE DRIVEN IN ALL CLIMATES INCLUDING, RAIN. A PRODUCT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO PERFORM ITS INTENDED USE. NOT THE A4. WHO NEEDS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE CAR IF THEY DON'T PLAN ON DRIVING IT THROUGH RAIN AND SNOW? THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST ME $1500. HE TOLD ME THAT MY ABS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY UNTIL I FIX IT. I LIVE IN COLORADO AND I FREQUENTLY DRIVE THROUGH THE SNOW. I DRIVE THROUGH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN ICY AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. LUCKILY, IT WAS SUMMER TIME WHEN MY MODULE WENT OUT. I TAKE MY LITTLE SISTERS, LITTLE BROTHERS, AND NEPHEWS SNOWBOARDING. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED OR I COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT I THOUGHT HAD ABS, BUT DIDN'T. THERE IS A SLIM MARGIN FOR ERROR WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON SNOWY CURVES THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS. I COULD BE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CLIFF BY THE TIME I REALIZE MY ABS WASN'T WORKING. OR I COULD SLIDE OVER A GROUP

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Dec 29, 2009166,000 milesWA

ABS CONTROL MODULE LIGHT FLASHING AND BEEPING ONA 1 999 AUDI A4. ALTHOUGH I THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY A WARNING, ON DOWN HILL DRIVING THE BRAKES ARE EFFECTED AND SEEM TO LOCK UP AND MAKE A NOISE. THE FEEL OF THE PEDAL IS ALSO EFFECTED. *TR

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Jun 16, 200973,000 milesNY

ABS KICKS IN DURING LOW SPEED BRAKING FOR NO ABS-RELATED REASON. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed May 27, 200950,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS WITH THE FUEL TANK CAPACITY LEVEL, WHICH WAS LESS THAN HALF. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE "LOW FUEL LEVEL" WARNING SOUNDED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 16, 2009110,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V131001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT INSUFFICIENT VACUUM IS PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. IN ADDITION, HE NOTICED THAT THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE WAS ONLY ENTITLED TO ONE REPAIR ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LAW. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 2, 2009142,926 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4 QUATRO. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE DEALER. AS HE DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. HE INFORMED THE SALES ASSOCIATE THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE BRAKE PADS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE HIM ANOTHER VEHICLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $3,000. THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT DID NOT WANT THE OTHER VEHICLE. HE KEPT THE AUDI AND TOOK IT TO AN AUDI DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THE BEARINGS WERE RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT AND NEW BRAKE PADS. IN ADDITION, THE RIMS WERE BENT. THE AUDI DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD IN THAT CONDITION AND WITH THOSE DEFECTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,926 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,927. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE WORN. UPDATED 03/18/09. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 200879,000 milesHI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE TIE ROD. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V248000 (STEERING;LINKAGES;ROD:RELAY;CONNECTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Dec 1, 2008136,000 milesCA

THE ABS MODULE ON MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE QUITE PREVALENT AMONGST AUDI AND VW VEHICLES. AN ABS FAILURE COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS. THIS MODULE SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE PROBLEM BEGINS WITH THREE BEEPS, A SOLID YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND A FLASHING RED BRAKE LIGHT. THE WARNING MAY COME ON MOMENTARILY WHILE I AM DRIVING AND GO AWAY, BUT IN MOST CASES WILL BECOME MORE PREVALENT AS TIME GOES ON. SOMETIMES THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT REMAIN ON. OCCASIONALLY THE ABS ACTIVATED (IN OTHER WORDS ABS BRAKING HAS ACTIVATED) WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. FROM RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON WITH AUDI A4 AND VW PASSAT B5 MODELS. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED. THE SUDDEN ABS ACTIVATION WILL OCCUR RARELY. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUDDEN ABS ACTIVATION IS OBVIOUS; BRAKING WHEN NOT EXPECTING IT CAN CAUSE TRAGIC RESULTS. LOSING THE ABS FUNCTIONALITY WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN IT IS NEEDED CAN ALSO CAUSE TRAGIC RESULTS. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SHOP. A VAG WAS HOOKED UP AND THE FOLLOWING CODE APPEARED: "01203 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN ABS AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER" REPLACING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ABS AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY RESOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE IS TO BUY A NEW ABS UNIT, BUY A USED ABS UNIT, OR HAVE THE CURRENT CONTROL MODULE REBUILT. AGAIN, SYSTEMATIC AND WIDESPREAD FAILURES OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE ARE OCCURRING. NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH REGARD TO THIS ISSUE

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 18, 200870,000 milesFL

ABS MODULE FAILED AT ONLY 70K MILES. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 13, 2008102,000 milesTX

PREMATURE ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MODULE FAILURE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 7, 200810,500 milesNJ

1999 AUDI A4 2.8. THIRD TIME THE CAR NEEDS TO REPLACE LEAKING CAM SEALS ON ENGINE. ALL CAM SEAL REPAIRS COMPLETED BY ORIGINAL DEALER REPAIR DEPT. FIRST REPAIR WAS ONLY AT 39,000 MILES AND 6 MONTHS OFF OF WARRANTY, IN NOVEMBER 2003. 2ND REPAIR WAS ONLY TWO YEARS AND 30,000 MILES LATER, AT 69,000 MILES, IN FEBRUARY 2005. 3RD REPAIR NOW NEEDED, ONLY AFTER 35,000 MILES LATER, AT 105,000 MILES. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE A4 MODEL MANUFACTURED OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL YEARS, INCLUDING 1999, AND THAT THE CAM SEALS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 35,000 MILES. AUDI CORPORATE REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES WITH THE 2ND REPAIR. I AM IN DISCUSSIONS WITH AUDI CORPORATE ABOUT THE EXPENSES FOR THE 3RD REPAIR. SINCE THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, AND AS I'VE READ, MANY OTHER 1999 A4S, I ENCOURAGE THE NHTSA TO RESEARCH THIS CAM SEAL ENGINE DEFECT, AND ISSUE A DEFECT RECALL. I HAD SUBMITTED THE SAME REQUEST SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WHEN THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED. THANK YOU. KAREN BLUMENFELD *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 23, 200870,000 milesNJ

A4 TIMING BELT FAILURE IN 1998 QUATRO MODELS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed May 29, 200895,000 milesRI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN BUT DOES NOT STOP AS IT SHOULD. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V131001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 6/16/08 *CN

Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Apr 21, 200897,000 milesCA

THE FRONT BUMPER FELL OFF THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO COLLISION, WHEN I ASKED THE AUDI DEALER TO FIX THE BROKE BUMPER AND WITHIN 6 MOS IT FELL OFF AGAIN, AGAIN WITH NO COLLISION INVOLVED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Mar 11, 2008109,000 milesOH

ABS MODULE FAILURE @ 108,000 MI. UNIT REBUILT AT APPROX COST OF $1,000. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Mar 11, 2008109,000 milesOH

ABS MODULE FAILURE @ 108,000 MI. UNIT REBUILT AT APPROX COST OF $1,000. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 23, 200890,000 milesCT

I OWN A 1999 AUDI A4 AND THE LCD IN THE GAUGE CLUSTER HAS FAULTED AND NO LONGER WORKS. IT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER AND WORKS ABOUT 80% WHEN ITS EXTREMELY COLD. ONCE THE CAR WARMS UP ALL THE INFORMATION IS NOT ABLE TO BE SEEN. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed May 29, 2007179,899 miles00

AUDI A4 ABS CONTROLLER. *TR

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Filed May 26, 200762,861 milesIL

I HAVE BEEN NOTICING RATTLE ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDES WHEEL AREA. I TOOK THE CAR TO MCGRATH AUDI IN GLENVIEW IL FOR INSPECTION, AND HAD SINCE RECIEVED RECALL NOTICE RELATING TO TIE ROD PROBLEMS. DECEMBER 2004 DEALER FOUND NO NEED FOR REPLACEMENT. I THEN NOTIFIED THEM ABOUT THE RECALL, THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ONE ,AND THAT THEY FOUND NO NEED TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS AND THAT I COULD DO SO AT MY EXPENSE WHEN I INSISTED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS (BOTH SIDES) SINCE THIS RECALL AND AM REQUESTING MANUFACTUR REIMBURSEMENT.*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 30, 2007NC

MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP ON 4/4/2007 FOR WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A STEERING PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT HOWEVER, THAT ON ONE OF MY FRONT TIRES THE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED ON 50% OF THE TIRE! IT WAS THE CONTINENTAL 205/60R15 TOURING CONTACT. I HAD THEM REPLACE IT WITH A CONTIPRO CONTACT OF THE SAME SIZE. THREE WEEKS LATER, MY OTHER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED ON AT LEAST 40% OF THE TIRE, WITH A HUGE BULGE. THE TIRES ARE LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, WITH LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON THEM! BOTH OF THE FAILING TIRES CAUSED SEVERE STEERING PROBLEMS, AND BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE INCIDENTS CAME UPON VERY RAPIDLY, AND WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Filed Feb 22, 2007VA

ON 11/10/2006, DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACE DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE TIE-RODS (BOOTS TORN). DEALER/MANUFACTURER DENIED THAT THE RECALL AFFECTED MY CAR. PLEASE HELP. HERE ARE MORE DETAILS OF THE RECALL : AUTO RECALL DATE: 09/13/1999 VEHICLE COMPONENT: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING ESTIMATED VEHICLES AFFECTED: 51900 1999 AUDI A4 DEFECT SUMMARY: 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. DEFECT 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. NOTES: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC, UL/KW . *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 7, 200773,000 milesMA

JANUARY 17, 2007, 8 DEGREES - DRY ROAD CONDITIONS I ACCELERATED UP A STEEP HILL ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN AT THE TOP OF THE HILL I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE'S RPMS RACED TO 7,000. I POPPED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND PUNCHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR REDUCED SPEED AND RPMS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT - IT HAPPENED LAST WINTER WITH WET ROAD CONDITIONS BUT VERY VERY COLD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER LAST YEAR AND THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAD THE ACCELERATOR CABLE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE AUDI A-6 AND THE DEALER CLAIMS MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY. 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. 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. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO MAKE AUDI REALIZE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND APPLIES TO THE A-4 NOT JUST THE A-6. *NM *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 25, 200761,900 milesNY

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS TO MY WIFE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS UNDER 4 DEGREES AND EXTREMELY WINDY AND SNOWING. SHE WARMED THE CAR UP FOR 15 MINUTES BEFORE DRIVING IT. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS A LITTLE BIT OFF COLD. THE HEAT WAS ON AND WORKING FINE. THE CAR DID NOT WANT TO GO, AND HESITATED DURING ACCELERATION. SHE DROVE A MILE TO THE INTERSTATE WITH NO ISSUES AND THE CAR WARMED UP. ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE, SHE DROVE ABOUT A HALF MILE ACCELERATING TO ABOUT 65. WHEN SHE TRIED TO PASS, AND BEGAN ACCELERATING THE THROTTLE FROZE. THE RPMS INCREASED QUICKLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY. SHE TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. SHE DOWNSHIFTED USING THE TIPTRONIC, THE CAR WENT FASTER. SHE PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND THE RPMS REVVED OUT. THE CAR APPROXIMATELY WAS GOING 90 MILES AN HOUR OR GREATER AT THE APEX OF MY SPEED. SHE GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE BY USING MY E-BRAKE, AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AT THE STOP LIGHT BECAUSE SHE FEARED IT WOULD NOT STAY STOPPED. SHE DROVE ABOUT A HALF MILE TO WORK USING THE E-BRAKE AND BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, AND NEARLY HIT A TREE TRYING TO STOP. SHE TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN AFTER SHE PARKED TO SEE IF THE THROTTLE WAS STILL STUCK, IT WAS. THREE HOURS LATER I ARRIVED, STARTED THE CAR, AND THE THROTTLE WAS NO LONGER STUCK. I CALLED THE DEALER THAT DAY, EXPLAINED THE ISSUE, AND THEY WOULDN'T TAKE THE CAR UNTIL 6 DAYS LATER. THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS THE CAR MAT STUCK UNDER THE PEDALS, AND IT WAS NECE

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 22, 2007100,000 milesUT

MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 1999 AUDI A4. ON 01/19/07 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE I-15 FREEWAY AT 75 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. I BRAKED, AND THE CAR SLOWED A LITTLE, BUT I STILL FELT TENSION, LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO PUSH FORWARD. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH MY FEET WERE NOT TOUCHING ANY OF THE PEDALS. I TRIED PUTTING MY FOOT UNDER THE GAS PEDAL AND PULLING IT UP IN CASE IT HAD FROZEN IN A DEPRESSED POSITION, BUT IT WAS NOT FROZEN. THE PEDAL FREELY MOVED UP AND DOWN. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RACED TO 7500 RPM WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL (MY FEET WERE COMPLETELY OFF ALL PEDALS). I QUICKLY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO BE LOOKED AT A SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN AUDI/VW CARS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ARE AWARE THAT THERE ARE A HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS WITH AUDI CARS FOR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THEY BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS IN THE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH CAN FREEZE IN COLD TEMPERATURES. ACCORDING THE MECHANIC, MOST REPORTED CASES INVOLVE COLD TEMPERATURES AND DRIVING LONG DISTANCES. I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 5 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EARLIER RECALL ON THE A6 MODEL THAT HAD THE SAME THROTTLE BODY AS OURS, BUT WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALER THEY TOLD US THAT OURS HAD NO RECALL. THEY WILL TAKE A LOOK AT IT THIS WEEK. I AM V

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Jan 11, 200778,000 milesNJ

TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NUMBER 06E060000 TO REPLACE WIRING ON HER 1999 AUDI A4. THE VEHICLE HAS AN ODOMETER READING OD APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUDI DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL WORK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE FACTORY WIRING. THE CONTACT STATED SHE PREVIOUSLY ADDED AN AUTOMATIC STARTER TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT DISCLOSED WHICH WIRE WAS NOT FACTORY WIRING.

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Dec 18, 2006MI

THE DRIVER SEAT CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON SATURDAY OF THANKSGIVING WEEKEND 11/25/06. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *NM

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Filed Sep 28, 200699,500 milesMA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE ALSO WANDERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, REQUIRING THE CONTACT TO MAINTAIN SOME EXERTION ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TIE ROD HAD FAILED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #99V248000, WHICH PERTAINED TO THE STEERING LINKAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 26, 200675,535 milesIL

I OWN A 1999 AUDI A4 2.8 30V QUATTRO AND MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE AUDI DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. BY READING FORUMS ONLINE AND CONSUMER SITES, I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM TO AUDI'S AND VW'S. MY QUESTION IS: SHOULDN'T AUDI OF AMERICA FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE? *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 22, 200684,398 milesMD

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A CLEAR DRY HIGHWAY WITH SMOOTH PAVEMENT, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND A LARGE SECTION OF TREAD WAS SEEN TRAILING BEHIND. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. ON INSPECTION OF THE TIRES, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD FAILED. THE CENTER TREAD/BELT SECTION OF THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 13, 200688,385 milesCA

NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WHEN MY AUDI ONLY HAD 88000 MILES. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Aug 3, 2006102,052 milesNV

AT 51,000 MILES I HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED ON MY AUDI UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO A BROKEN PIPE FLANGE. I NOW HAVE 102,000 ON THE AUDI AND THE SAME PART IS BROKEN. AUDI USA WILL NOT REPLACE OR REPAIR THIS PART. I FEEL IT MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE WORKMANSHIP OR MATERIALS SINCE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL IT IS WORN OUT AND NOT BEFORE THEN. THIS IS PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM AND THE EPA SHOULD ALSO KNOW ABOUT THIS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jul 23, 200664,000 milesNC

TIMING BELT FAILED AT 64000 MILES AND CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE (REPLACEMENT OF HEADS). TOTAL REPAIR COST CAME TO $4000. TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT I HAD A FULL INSPECTION BY AUDI AND SPECIFICALLY ASKED AUDI SERVICE REP IF I NEEDED TO CHANGE THE BELT. I WAS TOLD NOT WORRY SINCE AUDI RECOMMENDS 90K CHANGE INTERVAL (AND EVEN 105K ON THE NEWER MODELS). CAR WAS A FEW MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. AUDI USA AND THE LOCAL AUDI DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED NOT TO CHANGE THE BELT REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Mar 10, 2006CA

AUDI REFUSES TO PAY FOR FIXING A SERIOUS SAFETY RELATED SERVICE ACTION (SERVICE ACTION JE - FAILURE OF CONTROL ARMS), UNLESS THE CUSTOMER PROVIDES DETAILED MAINTENANCE RECORDS FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSED REPAIR FACILITY. THIS WILL RESULT IN PEOPLE NOT FIXING THIS SERIOUS ISSUE, ENDANGERING NOT ONLY THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO OTHER INDIVIDUALS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CHECKED, AND MY CAR HAS THE PROBLEM - BUT THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR THE FIX, SINCE I PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR MYSELF. NOTE: CRACKING OF CONTROL ARMS IS NOT RELATED TO LACK OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE. *NM

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Mar 2, 2006VT

THIS IS NOT ABOUT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT BUT RATHER SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE EXTERIOR MIRRORS HAVE BEEN LOSING THEIR REFLECTIVITY. I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE THAT IT'S THE SILVER ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE MIRROR THAT IS FLAKING OFF AND THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE CHANGES FAIRLY QUICKLY. I ASKED MY LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS VERY UNCOMMON AND WOULD BE ABOUT $75 TO REPLACE THE MIRROR. AS I DRIVE AROUND AND AS I WALK PAST OTHER AUDIS AND VOLKSWAGENS I NOTICE THAT THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING ON THEIR MIRRORS AS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF MINE. I ASKED A MECHANIC AT ANOTHER SHOP IN RUTLAND ABOUT IT AND HE SAID HE SEES IT ALL THE TIME. IF IT'S THE NATURE OF THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL AND IT'S REASONABLE TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN THEN FINE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH, HOWEVER, THAT IT'S A PROBLEM PLAGUING MANY OF THESE TYPES OF CARS AND A PROBLEM THAT AUDI, OR AT LEAST MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WILL NOT ADMIT IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THESE MIRRORS. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 12, 200659,500 milesMA

THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL RECALL (NHTSA: 04V495000 ) ATTACHED BELOW FOR THE 1999 AUDI A6 HAPPENED ON MY CAR THE AUDI A4. IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE 1999 A4 AS WELL. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED IN VERMONT WHEN THE ROADS WERE WET/SNOWY AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS DROPPING RAPIDLY (5 DEGREES/HOUR). THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. IT WAS FREAKY. WHEN I SPOKE WITH AUDI USA, THEY EXPLAINED I NEEDED TO GO TO A DEALER. TWO AUDI DEALERS IN THE BOSTON AREA WERE DISMISSIVE OF THE SITUATION. "THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IN YOUR CAR". WELL IT DID AND AUDI SHOULD TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. 1999 AUDI A6 BASE RECALL ID FROM NHTSA: 04V495000 RECALL DATE: 10/12/2004 COMPONENT: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 28300 SUMMARY: 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. DEFECT CONSEQUENCE: 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. REMEDY: 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,

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 26, 2006101,000 milesTX

ABS BRAKE LIGHT ON 1999) AUDI A4 1.8T. UPON RESEARCHING ON MANY FORUMS (I.E. AUDIWORLD.COM) I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER AUDI OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY ABS BRAKE COMPUTER?*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 11, 200673,900 milesNJ

I OWN A 1999 AUDI A4 WITH APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MILES. RECENTLY UPON START-UP THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AND THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT I NO LONGER HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND THAT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION WILL COST IN EXCESS OF $1500. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A AUDI MANUFACTURING DEFECT (ANECDOTALLY, I HAVE HEARD OF HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE ABS). WHILE THE CAR IS OPERABLE USING STANDARD BRAKES I BELIEVE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT DANGER SHOULD THE ABS BE REQUIRED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jan 9, 200680,300 milesVA

I OWN AN 1999 AUDI A4 1.8T. ON NOVEMBER 19, 2005, I TOOK MY AUDI TO TYSON'S CORNER AUDI DEALER IN TYSON'S CORNER, VA. AT THE TIME, MY CAR HAD 79,000 MILES AND THE DEALER CASUALLY MENTIONED THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY TIMING BELT REPLACED AT 90,000 MILES. THE DEALER DID NOT INFORM ME OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. SUBSEQUENTLY, I DROVE MY CAR. THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TIMING BELT SUDDENLY GAVE OUT AND THE CAR ENGINE DIED ON THE SPOT. I COULD HAVE ALSO BEEN KILLED ON THE SPOT. AT THIS TIME, MY CAR HAD 80,000 MILES, NO WHERE NEAR 90,000 MILES THAT THE DEALER CASUALLY MENTIONED. I AM WRITING TO YOU TO INFORM YOU OF THIS MALFUNCTIONING TIMING BELT PROBLEM. THE TIMING BELT DAMAGED THE ENGINE AND THE DEALER IS QUOTING ME $7,700 FIXED MY CAR. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE WARRANTY WITH THE TIMING BELT, THE DEALER DENIED ANY WRONG DOING, FALSELY INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS NO WARRANTY ASSOCIATED WITH TIMING BELT, AND ABOVE ALL ASKED ME TOW MY CAR IF I WAS NOT GOING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. I AM FULLY AWARE OF THE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON 1997-99 AUDI A4 FOR THE MALFUNCTIONING TIMING BELT. YET, THE DEALER DENIES ANY WRONGDOING AND EVEN FALSELY INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE NO WARRANTY ASSOCIATED WITH TIMING BELT. WHEN I CALLED AUDI USA CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO FAILED TO MENTION ANY WARRANTY BUT RATHER INFORMED ME THAT THEY CANNOT DO MUCH. THEY CALLED THE DEALER ON MY BEHALF, BUT AUDI USA WAS NOT WILLIN

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Jan 5, 200699,000 milesMD

I AM AN OWNER OF A 1999 AUDI A4 QUATTRO WITH THE 2.8 ENGINE; THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE IS [XXX]; THE VEHICLE HAS 101,845 MILES. I WAS HAVING THE FOLLOWING ISSUE; AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON INDICATING AND ABS FAILURE. THIS WOULD OCCUR AFTER THE CAR IS COMPLETELY WARMED UP. I DID SOME CHECKING AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS PROBLEM WITH ABS CONTROL UNIT. I FURTHER INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996-2001 AUDI A4S. VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS AND PASSATS OF THE SAME YEAR, THAT UTILIZE THE SAME SYSTEM, HAD/HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM; IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT VOLKSWAGEN CONDUCTED A NATIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I WAS WONDERING WHY AUDI HAS NOT HANDLED THIS PROBLEM IN THE SAME MANNER. I DONT THINK AUDI OWNERS SHOULD BE EXPECTED PAY TO FIX A CLEARLY MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, AND A SAFETY COMPONENT AT THAT! I CONTACT AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET A REACTION FROM THEM; THE REFERENCE NUMBER IS [XXX]. I WROTE A DETAILED LETTER TO MR. JOHAN DENYSSCHEN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AUDI NORTH AMERICA; HE IN TURN PASSED THE LETTER TO ONE OF THE AUDI REGIONAL MANAGERS ANNETTE JOHNSON. THE REGIONAL MANAGER HAD INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD BE DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI SERVICE CENTER (AUDI DEALER). HER TONE WAS VERY HELPFUL; HOWEVER SHE HAS INDICATED THAT THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO CONSTITUTE A RECALL. FURTHERMORE, THEY DO NOT CONSIDER THE ABS FAILURE AS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE TH

Complaints 1-50 of 190, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20251000Routine
20242000Routine
202310000Routine
20226300Routine
202111400Routine
2020128300Routine
201910100Routine
201845100Routine
201757100Routine
201611010Routine
201519000Routine
201432000Routine
201324020Routine
201219010Routine
201111000Routine
201064000Routine
2009120230Routine
2008175410Routine
2007196300Routine
2006295340Above average
2005219430Above average
2004189330Routine
2003210460Above average
2002181260Routine
2001131390Routine
200096520Routine
1999 — this page190720Routine
1998258620Above average
199798830Routine
199689610Routine
19951200Routine

Compare every A4 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 31, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.