The airbag fault light and ABS light have been on ever since I had the vehicle, thinking that it may be a fault by the manufacturer as seeing very common problems in many websites. Another main concerned is the fault of the manufacturer's engine design causing engine damage from oil sludge. My concern is for future prevention measures.
1998 Audi A4 brakes problems
125 complaints (48% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,500. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 125
- of this car's complaints
- 48%
- typical mileage
- 82,500
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip58
- Foundation components: disc17
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module15
- Antilock: control unit/module9
- Power assist: vacuum7
- Foundation components5
- Foundation components: disc: rotor4
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light4
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Audi A4 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Audi A4 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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 temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
- Risk
- This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- 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.
Recall number 99V131001 · Recall details
Related investigations
Brake and clutch pedal bracket
PE02008
Degraded braking in wet weather
There is no summary currently available
EA00021
Power brake booster vacuum by-pass
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008
What 1998 Audi A4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The amber ABS warning light glows while the red brake light blinks. I understand newer audi models have just been recalled for ABS issues, but my 1998 a4 was not included in the recall. Braking appears normal, and warning light illumination is sporadic.
The anti lock brake control modulator unit failed, and now I have brakes that do not work. At the slightest pedal pressure, all 4 wheels will have a strong pulsating, giving you about 1/3 of the braking pressure that is needed. Volkswagens used a nearly identical part, and their ABS controller is under recall, I do not understand why the federal safety agency, cannot force audi of america to do the same. Thank you
Faulty ABS module in my 1998 audi a4 1.8t. The electrical component to the ABS system fails in many of these similar year audis and vws, and it appears to be a big problem. The failure of this component can cause deadly accidents, and should be addressed by audi.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. While the vehicle was parked, he notice the ABS light was on and the brake light was flashing on the dashboard. The contact stated that he was a mechanic and tried to scan information from the ABS modular and was unable too. He stated he was unable to repair the failure. The vehicle was purchased used september 28, 2005. The contact purchased the vehicle used with the failure. The failure mileage was 133,500 and the current mileage was 270,000.
The ABS control unit on my audi a4 failed after 95,000 miles. I have no anti-lock braking and audi has denied any responsibility for the part since it is out of warranty. Searching through audi forums I found this failure to be very common and everyone had no ABS until the control unit was replaced which cost an average of $1500+. There were no events that lead up to the failure, I started the car one day and the ABS and brake light started flashing on my dash. I tested the ABS and found that it indeed does not prevent my brakes from locking up. Nearly three years later, the part has not been fixed due to the high cost to repair it.
Out of nowhere, ABS light on, brake light flashing. Took to shop, they stated this is a common problem for the ABS module to lock out communications; 1400 + for the repair. This is an expensive car; I find it outrageous the electronic module is outside, subject to weather conditions and salt. Please see my complaint on coil springs as well. Researched the problem on the internet and it seems this is usual and customary for this model, I feel the federal safety agency needs to step up here and call audi on the table.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact noticed that the ABS warning lights sporadically illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the antilock:control unit/module failed, and the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The cost would exceed $1,100 because there was no recall for that component. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Abs/brake light just started flashing. The ABS brakes are not working ABS module is the cause. Under hard braking or wet conditions the car slides looses traction. Old part is still in car to expensive to replace right now. Had car looked at by certified mechanic and they told me ABS module is the problem.
1. Heated seat burned through the leather burning the back of my leg when on the lowest setting(1/6). 2. The cruise control works about 1% of the time and will engage unexpectedly if not turned off.
Questions about the 1998 Audi A4 brakes
Does the 1998 Audi A4 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 125 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Audi A4, 48% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi A4 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Audi A4 brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V131001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Audi A4 have bad brakes?
The Audi A4 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (125 complaints), 1999 (91 complaints) and 2000 (51 complaints).
Other 1998 Audi A4 problems
Engine 30Suspension 24Electrical 23Steering 23Airbags 16Acceleration 13Visibility 8Transmission 7Lights 6Seats 5Body 3Seat belts 3Wheels 2Driver assistance 1Fuel system 1Tires 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Audi A4?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history