1999 Audi A4
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 190 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 98 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 131 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 210 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 295 |
| 2007 | 196 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 120 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 57 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
51% · 97 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
After starting the vehicle a fire broke out inside the engine compartment. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-21
Vehicle speed control
9% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
While backing into a driveway the vehicle suddenly accelerated while brakes were continuously being applied but did not respond, resulting in vehicle hitting a truck. Cause unknown.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-09
I was backing up in driveway in front of another vehicle which was parked in front of a house. My car gave a slight lurch and the motor revved up. I immediately looked because I thought I must have my foot on the accelerator.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-27
Steering
8% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and connecting.
Power train
6% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1999Complaint volume 190 complaints filed for this model year.
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1999-06-01Recall queryClosed 2000-11-14 Power brake booster vacuum by-pass
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R
1999-10-05Steering99V248000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
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R
1999-10-09Service brakes, hydraulic99V131001 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…
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.
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I
2000-04-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-08-11 Degraded braking wet weather condition
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2000-08-11Engineering analysisClosed 2002-03-29 Degraded braking in wet weather
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2001-02-05Steering00V414000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
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I
2002-01-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-07-12 Brake and clutch pedal bracket
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2004-06-30Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Stuck-open throttle
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2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…
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.
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2006-08-01Exterior lighting06E060000 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…
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.
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R
2014-05-01Engine and engine cooling14E007000 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...
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.
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R
2021-09-21Air bags20V056000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 97 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V248000 · Steering
- Recall 99V131001 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 00V414000 · Steering
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 20V056000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Audi A4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Audi A4?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A4 have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.