Check a VIN

1998 Audi A4 steering problems

23 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 74,000.

owner complaints
23
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
74,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    13
  • Linkages
    2
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    1
  • Rack and pinion
    1
  • Linkages: rod: relay: connecting
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    1
  • Column
    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 steering problems in other years

19962000200520102025

Related recalls

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connectingReported September 13, 1999 · 51,900 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
Risk
If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rods.

Recall number 99V248000 · Recall details

What 1998 Audi A4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 152,000 miles · MA

Control arm on my 1998 audi a4 fractured when pulling out of a parking lot, causing complete loss of steering control. Audi technical service bulletin the federal safety agency # 10016418, #11242004 component description: 22. Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm bulletin number: 11242004 bulletin date: nov 2004 vehicle: 1,998 audi a4 summary: service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms. Audi has found that in rare cases, one or both front suspension lower control arms on affected vehicles can exhibit wear, even though the damage to the rubber bo ( the federal safety agency item number - 10016418 ).

Filed Oct 27, 2009 · Steering · 170,000 miles · MI

Tie rod failure resulting is a compromise of steering control as described in the federal safety agency 99v248000.

Filed May 5, 2008 · Steering, Wheels · 92,000 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. While applying pressure to the brake pedal, the contact noticed that the wheels on the vehicle appeared to move in an outward direction. Also, when turning, she heard a loud grinding noise and the steering column became difficult to turn. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v248000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting). The vehicle is currently being repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 34,528 miles · MI

Dt: the contact states that he is unable to have a recall 99v248000 repaired without charge. He purchased a used vehicle last week with an outstanding recall, when he took the vehicle to the dealer to have recall repair completed. The manufacturer refused to offer a free remedy. The recall stated that the tie rods would be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that because there was no damage to the rubber boots the tie rods would not be replaced free of charge. The dealer provided a repair order indicating that the lower control arm was damaged.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Steering · 54,312 miles · TX

Re: the federal safety agency recall id number: 99v248000 (sep 13, 1999) I own an 1998 audi a4 [xxx]. On 03/11/2003 I had the $1,3000 repair of tie rods and front wheel bearing at houston momentum audi that seemed to be exactly what is described in the recalls consequences. The audi of america does not show my vehicle among those subject to the recall. When I called them, they could not provide any reasoning, nor could they reconcile their references with the federal safety agency recall. I believe, I should be reimbursed by audi and would appreciate your help in resolving this matter. Sincerely, [xxx]. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

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 Dec 16, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 59,000 miles · UT

I received a recall on my 1998 audi a-4 for a problem with both front suspension lower control arms. When I took it in the dealer said these were okay, but the upper front suspension control arms were bad, and also the steering tie-rods.*ak when I called audi that it was the upper not the lower control arms that were bad they said they wouldn't do anything because the recall was for the lower. I took it to an independent repair technitian to confirm, which he did. He also said it was dangerous to drive the car with the tie rods in such bad condition. Repair costs are about $500. Because the upper and lower control arms are both part of the same unit and the car does not have high mileage (59,000 miles) I do not feel it is right for me to have bear this cost.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Steering · 41,704 miles · RI

This consumer experienced the same problem as stated in the federal safety agency recall 99v244000. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Steering · 40,000 miles · RI

Tie rods failed just as in recall campain, but I was told my car fell 1 month outside of recall date, nothing done.

Filed Aug 4, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · CT

My 1998 audi a4 tqm has 85k miles onit. I just had all the lower control arms replaced for a second time (first tiem done under recall) becaus eit was creaking and growning. Both tie rodsends and one upper control arm were found to have failed as well. Audi advises these are "wear items" even though the lower control arms wer eoriginally replaced under recall, and have only 45000 miles on them!

Questions about the 1998 Audi A4 steering

Does the 1998 Audi A4 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Audi A4, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Audi A4 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 74,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Audi A4 steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V248000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Audi A4 have bad steering?

The Audi A4 model years with the most steering complaints are 1998 (23 complaints), 1999 (15 complaints) and 2009 (15 complaints).

Other 1998 Audi A4 problems

Brakes 125Engine 30Suspension 24Electrical 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