1998 Audi A4: brake failure

Filed Mar 22, 2005 · Brakes · 119,000 miles · CT

Abs control unit on my 1998 audi a4 failed as I was driving on the highway, total brake failure resulted, in which I was only able to stop via the triptronic transmission which allowed me to downshift, and finally using the ebrake...called audi of america, they told me that their shouldnt have been total brake loss if the ABS unit failed, which made no sense since the pump was spewing brake fluid all over my engine...I assured them that it was a safety issue, and that audi should be responsible for its repair, which runs in the range of $2500...they told me that that shouldnt have happened, and because of the high mileage on my car, they werent obligated to repair the problem, even though thousands of audi owners have complained about the same problem...I believe audi should be directly accountable for this mechanical defect, and issue a recall asap, before other audi owners experience the same scary ordeal I did on the highway...thank you.

Filed Mar 24, 2001 · Brakes · IL

In snow and sometimes rain and when going over railroad tracks the brakes do not respond and you feel like you have absolutley no brakes.

Filed Jan 5, 2001 · Brakes, Wheels · VT

While backing out of driveway there were no brakes. Vehicle was towed to automobile shop, and mechanic verified that wheel itself rubbed brake line every time vehicle was turned to left, wearing a hole in line, and causing brake failure.

Filed May 20, 2000 · Brakes · MA

In wet conditions (rain or slush), brakes intermittently fail to respond for several seconds, then grab normally. Been this way since I took delivery of car. This is not normal wet weather braking force reduction. More like no brakes at all for a few seconds. I believe the brakes are getting wet internally due to lack of proper shields, but dry themselves off after a few seconds of application, which would explain the several second delay followed by normal braking. The dealer has inspected all braking system components twice for me and found nothing unusual. Lots of other audi a4 owners complain about the same problem. No other car I have ever owned or driven has behaved like this in wet weather. Especially at highway speeds the braking delay is extremely dangerous, paticularly since it is intermittent. You just never know when the car will decide not to stop when you need it to! The only way I have found to deal with the problem is to apply the brakes every ten or fifteen seconds to k eep them dry. But that, too, is dangerous, since following traffic goes bananas seeing my brake lights come on all the time for no apparent reason. I have complained to audi of america, which claims they know nothing about this problem and have not had other complaints about it. They are lying, because I know other a4 drivers who have also complained bitterly to audi of america and their dealers about this problem. Please help us!

Filed Jan 21, 2000 · Brakes · NY

Brakes hesitate when consumer applies brakes & the pedal goes all the way to the floor. Brakes will not work in the cold weather.

Filed Oct 13, 1999 · Brakes · MA

Brakes failed to work on highway off-ramp during heavy rain. Depressed pedal, but almost no braking force. Had to veer back into interstate traffic, almost causing major crash. This has happened before to me, always in wet weather. Problem is intermittent. Usually brakes are ok in wet, but now and then almost complete failure for no apparent reason, always in wet. Brakes return after brief application. I believe brakes are getting wet somehow and failing to operate until they warm up and dry off, but this is just a theory. The failures are infrequent but very dramatic and extremely dangerous. Other audi a4 owners have experienced exact same problem. Dealers have no solution. Please help! Thanks.