1998 Audi A8
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
2 of 4 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Single occupant in vehicle (Driver) vehicle was forced off the road and entered a ditch about three-four feet deep. Passenger's air bag, front, fired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-28
Airbag warning light indicates airbag failure. Audi dealer cannot rectify.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-28
Visibility
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing exterior.
Show complaint excerpts
Blind spots, rear visibility: Audi's refusal to replace outside mirrors. The passenger's outside mirror an drivers poorly designed and have tremendous blind spots.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-28
Equipment
1 of 4 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire jack supplied by Audi USA for the Audi A8 is very dangerous. It is manufactured out of cheap aluminum and is not rugged enough to lift the car even on flat pavement.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-11-09
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
R
2008-09-12Power train08V397000 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…
Remedy: 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…
-
R
2021-09-21Air bags22V471000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V248000 · Steering
- Recall 08V397000 · Power train
- Recall 22V471000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Audi A8 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Audi A8?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Audi A8 have?
- 3 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.