Tie rods in the steering systems are damaged. Audi claims they had a recall on these rods and that the previous owner of the car had the service completed back in 2000. Yet, I still have problems now in 2006. I wonder if the fix audi implemented is really effective or not.
1998 Audi A6 steering problems
13 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,552.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 71,552
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly6
- Steering wheel/handle bar3
- Linkages3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Audi A6 steering problems in other years
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- 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
Related investigations
Steering wheel heater overheats
This pe was opened based on four odi complaints that the steering wheel overheats. Vw has shown that moisture and prespiration permeate the steering wheel cover causing the heating element to corrode.this corrosion may cause a small, localized area of the steering wheel to experience a brief duration of overheating.there are no reports of the steering wheel sustaining combustion. The investigation has found no occurrences of severe burning and no consumers required medical attention. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE03019
What 1998 Audi A6 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt: the contact owns a 1998 audi. The contact noticed noise in front suspension, play steering, looseness in steering, tire wear, and recall on lower control arm. During that recall realized also needed to replace the upper control arms. Took it to mechanic, where he was told that the tie rod ends needed to be replaced. Suggested that it was all related .he told consumer that a recall was on the tie rod end. Audi claimed this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. There was no recall on the upper control arms they referred him to the dealership for service. The dealership told consumer that because the vehicle was out of warranty audi would not do the repairs. No crashes. No police report. No crashes. No injuries.
Airbag warning light stayed on after the engine started - diagnostics conducted at a audi dealership. Customer informed by service department that the airbag unit is faulty and whole unit needs to be changed (cost quosted $800) - also informed "need" left tie rod end (previous similar complaint regarding tie rod on the federal safety agency web site)
After recall 99v248000 concerning tie rod failure. After recall repairs were done the problem recurred. Dealership was notified, but would not repair free of charge again.
Complaint 1) heated steering wheel would burn hands in selected locatios before turning off. Dealer indicated to me they were aware of this and if I wanted it fixed would have to purchase a new steering wheel as my car was out of warranty. I feel this is a safety issue that should be handled by audi with replacement. Complaint 2) rear brake pads replaced three times on car with 50,000 miles. This does not make sense as front brakes take most of wear. At my last repair on 9/22/03, it cost me $418 dollars to replace rear pads and rotors. It appears something may be of bad design with replacement 3 times in 50,000 miles for rear brakes. Front replaced only once and not due to wear, but heat spotting creating noise.
The consumer stated the vehicle steering wheel would heat up. The consumer stated the steering wheel would get too hot on his hands. The dealer was notified. *ak the steering wheel had gotten extremely hot every time the ignition was turned. *scc
The heated steering wheel had melted, and the consumer's child was burned. *jb the dealer replaced the part.
Tie rods are loose and worn out, allowing dust to enter into mechanism. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle is not included due to VIN.
Tie rods are loose and worn out, allowing dust to enter into mechanism. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle is not included due to VIN.
While driving 55mph steering wheel heat sensors caught on fire. Flames shot out towards driver's face. There was no prior warning. The flames were extinguished by driver's hands. Managed to pull vehicle over. Contacted audi dealership. Turned heat sensors off on steering wheel. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic replaced steering wheel without the heat sensors.
Questions about the 1998 Audi A6 steering
Does the 1998 Audi A6 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Audi A6, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi A6 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,552 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Audi A6 steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V248000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Audi A6 have bad steering?
The Audi A6 model years with the most steering complaints are 1999 (19 complaints), 1998 (13 complaints) and 2019 (12 complaints).
Other 1998 Audi A6 problems
Fuel system 35Brakes 19Acceleration 18Suspension 11Body 9Electrical 8Engine 6Visibility 5Airbags 4Lights 4Tires 3Seat belts 2Transmission 2Locks 1
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