Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a6. While traveling 25 MPH, the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle had suddenly dropped to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front lower control arm was replaced twice. The failure continued. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 5/7/12 *cn the consumer stated one month prior, while turning off a road, the vehicle dropped to 25 MPH, there was loss of brakes and the vehicle was hard to control. Updated 05/30/10
1998 Audi A6: ball joint or control arm failure
16 of the 130 complaints about the 1998 Audi A6 describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Control arms wear out prematurely causing worn tires.
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.
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)
In feb. 2005 a local audi dealership informed me that there was a recall on my vehicle and the control arm on one side needed to be replaced. 2 months later (<2,400 miles) wyoming valley motors informed me that the contol arm on the other side of my vehicle needed to be replaced. I questioned why it was not covered due to the recent recall and they informed me it was out of the recall period. I asked them why the other side of the control arm was not checked in feb. And the service rep informed me that they indeed checked it. It was not communicated verbally to me nor was it documented on my usually detailed service invoice. I asked service rep that my only option is to assume that they checked it since it was not document. He stated that is correct. I contacted the manufacturer and am still waiting for a reply. Please let me know if you hanle a problem of this nature. If not, any direction in whom I need to contact regrding this frustrating issue will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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.
While having the front tires replaced, the mechanic informed the consumer that both upper ball joints were cracked. Please provide any further information.
While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Lower left control arm bolts broke free from subframe, damaging both front axles, bending subframe and flattening the front left tire. I was fortunate to get the vehicle from the travel lane without causing an accident. This is not a wear and tear part and should not have failed.
When vehicle reached 30,000 miles control arms dried out and created an annoying sound. A black rubber compound was added to eleviate the problem; however, the problem still exists.
Premature failure of control arms.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Check/replace replace front suspension lower control arms
- Service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms
- Both front suspension lower control arms CAN exhibit wear, even though the damage to the rubber boots is...
- Service action to inspect lower control arm seals
- Clunking or rattling noise from one or both sides of front suspension when driving over rough roads
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Audi A6 ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1998 Audi A6?
16 of 130 owner complaints about the 1998 Audi A6 (12%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Audi A6?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Audi A6
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Audi A6?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history