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1998 Audi A6 brakes problems

19 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 74,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
74,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    6
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    5
  • Foundation components
    2
  • Power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1
  • Power assist: vacuum
    1
  • Pedals and linkages
    1
  • Disc: rotor
    1
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    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 A6 brakes problems in other years

19952000200520152026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Audi A6 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 10

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

Brake and clutch pedal bracketOpened January 23, 2002, closed July 12, 2002

PE02008

What 1998 Audi A6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 11, 2009 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · NJ

Dear dot, I've a 1998 audi a6 quattro. My ABS system shows warning yellow ABS light and red flashing brake light at all time. I've taken my two shops and they both indicated that the ABS unit is defective and needs replacement. They tested all 4 wheel sensors on the car and also mapped out the electrical system. The conclusion was a defective ABS unit. I've done some research and other audi owner from 1998 - 2001 also have the same issues. If this system is known to be defective, it should be recalled in all fairness. I am pretty happy with this car, but the ABS is an uncomfortable experience. It cost about $2000 to replace the ABS unit and audi does not want to admit the problem. References: http://audi-vw-ABS-recall.blogspot.com http://www.allworldauto.com/comments/audi_a4_avant_comments_and_complaints_65-34245-1.html

Filed Aug 21, 2006 · Brakes · 114,000 miles · NY

Abs/brake light on all the time. I got my brakes changed, my mechanic checked it, and told me the ABS system is malfunctioning.

Filed Dec 6, 2005 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · CT

1998 audi a6 with 130,000 miles; ABS/brake lights on dash illuminate with piercing tones, first intermittently, now upon startup and drive off. Manual states this is an emergency situation, and driver could possibly lose control of vehicle. Dealer states repairs $1500.00+ for complete ABS replacement...audi owner forums include many others with identical problems...no other repair options were offered by the dealer.

Filed Mar 27, 2005 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · IN

Antilock brake system (ABS) control module is apparently failing or has failed. Both the ABS and brake lights on the dashboard illuminate irregularly accompanied by three loud warning tones. Both lights likewise turn off without warning. Dealer claims that no code is being returned from ABS unit. Advised that sometimes ABS will be available and sometimes not. Cost to replace ABS control module was quoted at $2,400. Advised to ignore warning lights and sounds if cost was unreasonable.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Brakes · WA

The ABS braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Driver noticed that while applying the brakes the pedal went to floor, slowing down and then stopping. Driver took vehicle to the dealer, and the mechanic placed the vehicle on a diagnostic machine, and determined that the ABS control unit module needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 21, 2005 · Brakes · 8,400 miles · MD

I have a problem with the ABS light that comes on often.is too expensive to pay for all this .can somebody do somethng about . Thanks.

Filed Mar 4, 2005 · Brakes · 10,500 miles · IL

Abs computer malfunctioned. Searched internet and found many similar problems with other owners of simiilar cars.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Brakes · CA

The vehicle's ABS controller failed after less than 70000 miles. *nm the consumer requested assistance from the manufacturer but was denied.

Filed Nov 17, 2004 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · NY

I own a 1998 audi a6. This vehicle has been driven approx 75 000 miles. Several months ago the ABS control unit (brakes) failed. I was quoted a price of $1085 by the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. There are no used parts available. When I made an appoitment to have the unit replaced I was informed that audi no longer manufactures the origional replacement part at a cost of $1085. Rather, audi has remanufactured the replacement part and the new cost is approx $2000.00. I verified the cost of the remanufactured replacement part by calling a few dealerships. My complaint is that I believe that audi recognized that the original part was defective and that once the ABS control unit failed it made ABS braking inoperable and therefore unsafe. Rather than recall the 1998 a6 to replace the defective ABS control unit, they allowed consumers to either drive with an unsafe control unit that could fail at any time ot pay almost $2000 to replace the defective part.

Filed Nov 7, 2004 · Brakes · 103,000 miles · WA

Intermittent ABS/brake light 1998 audi a6 quattro 2.8l, audi dealer says it has faulty ABS module which would need to be replaced. Cost: $2,148.00 plus labor. Nothing was done to correct the failure. Dealer says it is a common problem.

Questions about the 1998 Audi A6 brakes

Does the 1998 Audi A6 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Audi A6, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Audi A6 brakes problems start?

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

Was there a recall on the 1998 Audi A6 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V131001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Audi A6 have bad brakes?

The Audi A6 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (39 complaints), 2000 (29 complaints) and 1998 (19 complaints).

Other 1998 Audi A6 problems

Fuel system 35Acceleration 18Steering 13Suspension 11Body 9Electrical 8Engine 6Visibility 5Airbags 4Lights 4Tires 3Seat belts 2Transmission 2Locks 1

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