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1999 Audi A4 problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Audi A4 is brakes, typically around 82,000 miles. It has 3.3 times the complaints of a typical A4 model year.

Typical year3.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
190
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
73
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-24mpg
Typical repair
$1,500

The worst 1999 Audi A4 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Audi A4

ABS 48Ball joint 15Sudden acceleration 7Brake failure 6Grinding brakes 5

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 31, 2020 · 106,857 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.

Recall number 20V056000 · Recall details

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connectingReported December 6, 2000 · 83,000 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 00V414000 · Recall details

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

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

See all 4 recalls for the 1999 Audi A4

Defect investigations

Stuck-open throttleOpened June 30, 2004, closed February 10, 2005

Vwoa has recalled approximately 28,300 my 1998-99 a6 vehicles in cold weather states that experienced the highest rate of throttle icing incidents in the subject vehicles (04v‑495).the failure rate in the a4 and passat vehicles is much lower than in the recalled vehicles.odi will continue to monitor the experience in the a4 and passat vehicles.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists for the audi a4 or vw passat vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by a change in circumstances. For further details see the attached closing report.

EA04017

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

Degraded braking wet weather conditionOpened April 4, 2000, closed August 11, 2000

There is no summary currently available

PE00016

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

There is no summary currently available

RQ99008

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Audi A4 73

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 73 bulletins for the 1999 Audi A4

1999 Audi A4 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD18-2028-2922-24
1.8L 4‑cyl4WD16-1925-2619-22
2.8L 6‑cylFWD16-1826-2720-21
2.8L 6‑cyl4WD16-172519-20

What 1999 Audi A4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 28, 2016 · Airbags · 308,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the contact was unaware of the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 308,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2012 · Body · 125,000 miles · MA · 1 injury

As I was opening the hood of the car to fill up the window washer, the hood did not stay up as usual. It started to close and it hit my head on the way down. I am wondering if there have been other reports of the same incident. Luckily, I suffered only minor damage to my head, however I have on going headaches as a result.

Filed Apr 26, 2012 · Brakes · MN

My audi, along with thousands of others have had their ABS control unit malfunction because of design. This malfunction causes the ABS to not work on the affected vehicle. Volkswagen, the company that produces audis and vws actually recalled this exact part on their vw vehicles, but for some reason refuses to correct the problem for their audi customers. The cost to replace this control unit is $1,400 - $1,700, and as such I have been driving my vehicle without its ABS functioning. Below is a description of the recall for this exact part, but on the vw jetta: "2002 volkswagen jetta gls the federal safety agency recall id number: 02v031000 recall date: jan 31, 2002 component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock potential units affected: 55000 summary: on some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Consequence: this can result in a fire. Remedy: dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Notes: volkswagen of america,inc," please look into this issue and help vw to make the right choice for the safety of their customers and others on the road. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter!

Filed Jan 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 145,000 miles · PA

The car is experiencing unintended acceleration, usually, but not always, after heavy acceleration. Over 10 occurrences. Cannot remedy by pulling back the accelerator. Car must be turned off and the engine must record 0 RPM to remedy the problem.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Tires · 118,563 miles · CA

Tread separation. I was driving westbound on I-580, approximately 70 MPH, when the tread on my right front tire separated and the tire blew. I was lucky to be able to pull over to the side of the road, with the assistance of other aware drivers on the highway who allowed me to change lanes at a reduced speed. The tire tread damaged the right front area of my car, causing approximately $4,000 in damages, of which approximately $3,000 was covered by my insurance company. The most important issue is safety, not money. I could have been severely injured or killed as a result of the tire failure. The tire had a big o tires brand label but it was manufactured by cooper. Before the incident, there was no abnormal usage or wear on the tire, with the exception of accelerated wear at the place where the tread separation initiated, which was caused by the separation. Cooper might be the only tire manufacturer that does not use a belt wedge. Their history of tread separations and tire failures, and total disregard for the safety of their american customers should be sufficient to remove their privilege of doing business in the u.s.

Filed Apr 29, 2011 · Engine · 222,673 miles · CA

The events that LED to the failure of the car is when it started to throw smoke from the exhaust and we found out about the failure when we took it the mechanic who told us the engine was no good. So far im looking for a new engine.

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Electrical · 110,134 miles · VA

Bosch ABS control unit has failed causing a flashing ABS indicator and a solid brake light. Cause is electronic. Many documented cases found on line. Abs will not engage. Audi will not recall, but vw has recalled for the same problem.

Filed Apr 5, 2011 · Brakes · 106,100 miles · CA

I bought an audi a4 1999 1.8t fwd. The next day I bought it the ABS orange light came on & brake light flashing non-stop with three beeps when I start the car its been like that for more than a week. Yesterday I took the car to the closest audi dealer and they quote me 1,200 that's a lot since this problems with the ABS unit is poor manufacture problem.

Filed Jul 19, 2010 · Electrical · 104,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. While driving 20 MPH the contact noticed that smoke had begun to come from underneath the drivers side seat. No flames were visible and the fire department was not called. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the entire wiring system needed to be replaced. The failure was not diagnosed. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 104000.

Filed Jun 22, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 126,963 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began independently shifting into manual mode from automatic. The contact was able to adjust the shifter to normal but the failure persisted. The dealer advised the shifter blind and the printed circuit board would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage and current mileages were 126,963.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1999 Audi A4 before you buy

Compare the 1999 Audi A4

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1999 Audi A4

Is the 1999 Audi A4 reliable?

Owners have filed 190 complaints about the 1999 Audi A4, 3.3 times a typical A4 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Audi A4?

Brakes, with 91 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles. Next is engine (28).

How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A4 have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, steering and service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Audi A4 get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Audi A4 range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-20 city and 28-29 highway.

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