1998 Audi A6
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 51 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 113 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 66 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2005 | 91 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 113 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 15 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS REAR-ENDED AT A STOP LIGHT ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY BY A 1998 AUDI A6. THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR STATED THAT HER CAR WAS ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE GAS AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030206
5% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120316
5% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FILLER NECKS.
Campaign 97V160000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.
Campaign 98V134000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL EXPULSION
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,
Remedy: 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 T
Campaign 99V058000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 99V248000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 99V131001 — check if this car was fixed
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 SEN
Remedy: 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 CHEMIC
Campaign 01V157000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET
STEERING WHEEL HEATER OVERHEATS
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
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 SHOR
Remedy: 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
Campaign 04V133000 — check if this car was fixed
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 D
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
Campaign 04V495000 — check if this car was fixed
DRIVER'S SIDE DASH FIRE
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: VE
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 06V198000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V056000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V160000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V134000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V248000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V131001 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V157000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V133000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V495000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V198000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V056000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Audi A6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Audi A6 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Audi A6?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Audi A6 have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.