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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 slip
    58
  • Foundation components: disc
    17
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    15
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    9
  • Power assist: vacuum
    7
  • Foundation components
    5
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    4
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    4

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Audi A4 brakes problems in other years

19962000200520102025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Audi A4 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 49Brake failure 6

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 21, 1999 · 88,121 vehicles affected
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 bracketOpened January 23, 2002, closed July 12, 2002

PE02008

Degraded braking in wet weatherOpened August 11, 2000, closed March 29, 2002

There is no summary currently available

EA00021

Power brake booster vacuum by-passOpened June 1, 1999, closed November 14, 2000

There is no summary currently available

RQ99008

What 1998 Audi A4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 1, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 158,238 miles · TX

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.

Filed Feb 11, 2017 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · DC

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.

Filed Sep 9, 2011 · Brakes · 97,555 miles · WI

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

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Brakes · 133,500 miles · FL

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.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Sep 20, 2008 · Brakes · 114,788 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Nov 14, 2006 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · 1 injury

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

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