4.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,185 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Audi A4:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #10

Aug 162009

A4

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Audi A4. While driving 45 mph the engine stalled without any prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to her place of residence. A mechanic stated that the timing chain had fractured which caused the engine to stall. She contacted the manufacturer in reference to a class action lawsuit regarding timing chain failure. A representative stated that because the vehicle exceeded 70,000 miles she was ineligible for a free remedy. However she noted that the owners manual stated that the timing chain should be replaced at 90,000. She was in the process of having the engine rebuilt by a independent technician. The failure and current mileages were 74,000.

- Pearl River, NJ, USA

problem #9

Jan 162004

A4 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,853 miles
In very cold weather, the engine sticks and holds a speed of 6,000 RPM. This condition lasts for at least 40 minutes during which time the car is not controllable. I have had this happen four times. I have involved the local Audi dealer as well as Audi of America. They have attempted to fix this problem four times without success. Audi of America is refusing to either acknowledge or take responsibility for this problem. The first time this happened was on Jan 16, 2003. The last time it has happened was Jan 16, 2004.

- Millburn, NJ, USA

problem #8

Jan 012002

A4 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles
I discovered a significant engine oil leak in multiple locations at 50K miles.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #7

Mar 202003

A4 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
In March 2003, the oil warning light came on. Dealer diagnosed a faulty sensor that was replaced for $300. In June 2003, the oil warning light again came on. This time it was diagnosed as a faulty oil pump that was replaced at $900. In September 2003 the engine overheated. Diagnosis: Faulty thermostat and sensor. Replacement cost $750. Also, washer fluid container cracked and hand brake lever handle cracked (at different times) -- both made of cheap qualtiy plastic.

- Wilton, CT, USA

problem #6

Apr 152003

A4

  • miles
Multitude of probs. W/ almost every aspect (brakes, engine valves, oil light stays on, rain leaks, bad wheel bearings, etc.) of this car. Most frustrating has been rude and incompetent service by Audi dealer. After an expensive repair to the rear wheel bearings the dealer said that although not all the noise was gone, the car was safe enough to drive to calif.,(we live in NJ). We did not believe the dealer because a loud grinding noise remained and took it to another shop where both front control arms were found to be damaged. We were advised not to drive the car as it was not safe to do so.

- Moorestown, NJ, USA

problem #5

Apr 102003

A4 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles
Timing belt tensioner failed causing replacement of timing belt and tensioner at 40000. Known issue with Audi that tensioner fails as they have a replacement kit with new type of tensioner. Yet, will not cover cost of replacement of failed tensioner or timing belt.

- Brooklyn Hts, OH, USA

problem #4

Mar 052003

A4 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Car was serviced for an oil leak and what the mechanic found was the ball bearings oil passage seals were leaking from the front of the cylinder heads. Repair would be $4,000 for parts alone. Labor would be additional. Car is less than 5 years old.

- Shelton, CT, USA

problem #3

Oct 182002

A4 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
While driving at 65mph vehicle timing belt broke, causing rapid loss of speed. Dealer has been notified. Consumer stated owners manual recommended timing chain be replaced at 90,000 miles however timing chain broke at 72,000 miles. Dealer replaced broken timing chan, tensioner and bent valves.

- New Hartford, CT, USA

problem #2

Feb 012002

A4

  • miles
While driving at highway speeds vehicle lost all power. Dealer has been contacted, and informed consumer that timing belt tensioner had broken, and caused extensive engine damage. Engine has to be replaced.

- Arlington, MA, USA

problem #1

Dec 062001

A4 4WD

  • miles
Timing belt broke & caused major engine damage.

- Medford, MA, USA