1998 Audi Quattro
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 21 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DURING BRAKING IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES DO NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE UNTIL SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS CONDITION ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE ROADS ARE WET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000427
DURING BRAKING IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES DO NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE UNTIL SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS CONDITION ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE ROADS ARE WET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000427
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT LOWER PANEL IS TOO LOW TO THE GROUND THAT WHEN A PERSON PULLS UP TO A CURB THE PANEL LOCKS OVER THE CURB AND PULLS AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR RESULTING IN THE LOWER PANEL HANGING OFF THE CAR, ON ONE OCCASION THE PANEL WAS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20000911
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND DECELERATING FOR A RED SIGNAL, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP COMPLETELY WITH THE ENGINE ON. THE CAR PROVED UNCONTROLLABLE. THE STEERING WHEEIL BECAME AGAIN OPERATIONAL AFTER I SHUT OFF AND RE-STARTED THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030930
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Audi Quattro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Audi Quattro 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 Quattro?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Audi Quattro have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.