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Audi A4 power steering loss problems

14 of the 2,899 owner complaints about the Audi A4 describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 1996 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
1996
typical mileage
88,540
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2014
    3
  • 2012
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    4

What owners say

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Driver assistance · MS · crash · 1 injury

While driving southbound on [XXX] near [XXX] in Mississippi, the advanced driver-assistance systems (lane assist and radar) did not operate as designed. At highway speed, the vehicle gave no warnings, no steering correction, and no radar-based intervention prior to a severe crash. This failure of the safety systems placed my life at extreme risk. The vehicle had been properly serviced at an authorized dealer, and there were no warning lights or fault messages prior to the incident. After the crash, nearly all airbags deployed, but the crash data recorder shows abnormal timing information. The Bosch Event Data Recorder (EDR) captured a force of 292 G’s, confirming the severity of the impact. Dash camera footage also documents that the systems failed to intervene before the collision. My primary complaint is not about the airbags but about the malfunction of the lane assist and radar systems and the manufacturer’s refusal to provide the requested reports that would verify the failure. When I requested the radar and lane assist reports from the manufacturer after their inspection, they admitted they would not provide them. Instead, they stated there was no defect. This is unacceptable because the data clearly exists, and withholding it prevents owners from knowing whether these safety systems can be trusted. The fact that these systems failed in a critical moment and the manufacturer is unwilling to disclose the information raises a serious safety concern not just for me, but for all owners of this model. I can provide supporting materials upon request, including dash camera video, the full Bosch crash data report, and correspondence with the manufacturer. My concern is both the malfunction itself and the lack of transparency. Without access to the radar and lane assist data, owners cannot verify that the advanced safety systems they rely on are functioning properly. This failure and refusal to provide proof of system performance must be addressed to protect other dri INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Steering · CA

2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mounts, and both front upper control arms, total repair bill $3240.27. After vehicle repairs the steering noises and vibration returned again with no warning lamps, or messages. The vehicle was dropped off at Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, CA on 11/28/2023. Audi Fletcher Jones now states it is due to possible defective steering rack and quoted $4,237.9 for repairs on 12/27/2023. Possible safety risk to myself and others if there is an Audi Manufacture defect within the steering rack which can cause loss of steering. Steering rack failure should not be occurring on a vehicle with mileage - only 46,742 miles. NHSTA please investigate Audi of America for possible manufacture defects of engine mounts, control arms, and steering racks. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 2, 2022 · Fuel system · IL

Driving on a two lane busy road, car started to jerk and shut down. Lost steering capability immediately, car veered toward ditch, stopped. Called 911 immediately because the road was busy and cars could not safely get around my stalled vehicle. I told 911 that I was exiting the vehicle for my safety. I could not restart the vehicle. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms alerting me to a problem UNTIL after the occurrence. I had no idea what was happening, and it was frightening. Never had this situation with any of my Audi's and I only have approximately 41,000 miles on it. After about 15 minutes a person stopped and was able to restart my vehicle (911) never got to me and I cautiously drove home. Called the dealer and had it serviced immediately. Diagnostics performed on it. It required a replacement of the fuel pump and fuel rail sensor. It found fuel pump control module to be shorting out. It seems that this type of issue should not be occurring on the vehicle with such low mileage.

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NY

The steering locks up out of no were while driving making it seem like power steering failure and gives you a stuck then let go feeling. I'm a mechanic and have come to find out the steering universal joints seized and rusted bad making it well not steer smooth it's very dangerous and a car only 6 years old with 80000 mile should not have an issue like that but it's very very common after research

Filed Mar 6, 2021 · Steering · 88,540 miles · PA

While in a turning motion thru a water puddle, the steering defective warning light came up on the dash and the steering was very stiff at slow speed. Error was analyzed as a defective electric steering rack and pinion. One year ago this same problem arose and it was corrected with a used rack, because a new one could not be found, such is the case at the current time, only used racks are available, which did not work out well the first time and the lead time on a new rack is 3 months. I submitted a complaint number: 11300855 on the same exact problem a year ago. I feel audi needs to address this serious problem with the rack p/n 8k1 423 055ba or any other that fit this description. The internet has plenty of audi forums about this moisture problem, since the rack is conducive to weather related conditions that short out control module, leaving the rack with no electric power assist. The module is integrated into the rack with no way to just replace just that part, leaving you with a $3000.00 bill.

Filed Dec 31, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 138,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 audi a4. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine coils and spark plugs to be replaced. While driving after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as before with the addition of loss of power steering and power brakes. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn and difficult for the brake pedal to be depressed. The contact was unable to restart vehicle and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Steering · 28,000 miles · TX

2009 audi a4 avant with 28000 miles on it when the steering became hard to steer at low speed. I drove it to the audi dealer 315 miles from my home. Told that the steering shaft had "seized" and the part was on back order. Might take two weeks or more to repair. I was given a free rental and told that they would be in touch when repaired.

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 Sep 17, 2004 · Suspension · 103,000 miles · FL · crash

Control arm failure, front passenger side. Resulted in loss of steering control and veering into a curb, damaging the vehicle ($2000+), insurance would not cover the failed part (esurance). It was extremely fortunate that I was going only 35 MPH, that no one was standing or driving where I hit that curb.

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Brakes · MA · crash

Brake failure in wet conditions. I was driving on 95n in providence. As I was changing lanes, I lost steering abilities. When I braked I did not get a response and crashed into the jersey barrier then bounced off it and went into a 180 degree spin across 4 lanes. I was stopped by the guard rail.

Related recalls

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

Questions about the Audi A4 power steering loss

Which Audi A4 years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1996 (4 complaints), 2014 (3 complaints) and 1998 (2 complaints).

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