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1998 Audi A4 engine problems

30 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
75,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    11
  • Engine
    10
  • Engine: gasoline
    5
  • Cooling system
    1

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 engine problems in other years

199620002005201020152024

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported June 22, 1998 · 19,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Risk
Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
Remedy
Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

Recall number 98V134000 · Recall details

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 Nov 21, 2016 · Engine · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. The contact had the turbo replaced in the vehicle; however, months later, the vehicle stalled. The contact felt unsafe in the vehicle because she believed that a crash could occur due to the stalling. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Nov 16, 2009 · Engine · 74,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. While driving 45 MPH the engine stalled without any prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to her place of residence. A mechanic stated that the timing chain had fractured which caused the engine to stall. She contacted the manufacturer in reference to a class action lawsuit regarding timing chain failure. A representative stated that because the vehicle exceeded 70,000 miles she was ineligible for a free remedy. However she noted that the owners manual stated that the timing chain should be replaced at 90,000. She was in the process of having the engine rebuilt by a independent technician. The failure and current mileages were 74,000.

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Engine · 80,650 miles · OH

Dt: the contact stated timing belt broke at the end of 2001. She stated that when the timing belts break on these audis and bend the valves,e they will destroy the engine. She reported having no problems with the engine since then. She had the car towed in 2001. The bill was $4,468.00. The timing belt went out at 80,000 miles. An advocate for audi in michigan told her on 9-26-05 that they sent her a letter concerning the timing belt. They were unsure as to when they sent it. The contact searched the internet and found some information about a lawsuit filed against audi. (9-27-05 the contact called the same advocate and asked her to check the reference number on the car, and the advocate told her that there was ongoing campaign concerning the timing belt. It was called the jk campaign. The control arm was called the je campaign. She has never received any recall letters and notified the advocate that she had never received a letter. The contact stated that in the maintenance book,it stated that the timing belt should not have to be changed until 90,000 miles.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Engine · 76,775 miles · CA

1998 audi a4 quattro experienced early timing belt tensioner failure.***no answer required***. *mr

Filed Aug 19, 2005 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

Timing belt tensioner failure engine runs poorly, could seize engine and cause accident.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Engine · 89,000 miles · OH

1998 audi a4 quattro timing belt broke causing failure while driving and severe damage to engine.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 109,000 miles · NC

The vehicle developed a severe vibration in the front end. The upper, lower suspension arms and the tie rod ends were replaced. There was a severe oil leakage observed coming from the engine during acceleration. Oil was found in the spark plug cavities and the spark plug wires protective sleeve was brittle due to high engine temperature. *ak *sc

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Engine · PA

I have an 1998 audi a4 turbo. While driving in june of this year the car just stopped. I took it to audi and was informed that the timing belt had snapped and because of the malfunction pistons and valves were damaged. The estimate of reapair was over $6200.00 the scheduled replacement in the owners manual is for 115,000 miles, this occured at 76,000 miles. I was made aware that audi is now recommending replacing the timing chain and tensioner at 80,000. Although they have been aware of this problem for more than 5 years, they have not notified nor plan to notify owners of this problem. They will not assist with the repair and the only solution is to take them to small claims court.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Engine · 58,693 miles · CA · 1 injury

While driving 1998 audi 1.8 t along highway when timing belt failed, without warning, wrecking engine. Car had only 58k miles, and owners manual does not recommend replacing timing belt until 90k miles. There is no tsb for the belt but audi is aware of the problem and requires all new timing belts to be installed in a new configuration.

Questions about the 1998 Audi A4 engine

Does the 1998 Audi A4 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Audi A4, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Audi A4 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 1998 Audi A4 engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V134000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 1998 Audi A4 problems

Brakes 125Suspension 24Electrical 23Steering 23Airbags 16Acceleration 13Visibility 8Transmission 7Lights 6Seats 5Body 3Seat belts 3Wheels 2Driver assistance 1Fuel system 1Tires 1

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