1998 Audi A6: recalls and complaints
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A6. The newest campaign is 20V056000. NHTSA received the report on 31 Jan 2020. The NHTSA record gives the component Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator Module. NHTSA has 128 complaints on file for this model year. 6 NHTSA investigations name this model year.
The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.
This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.
Remedy of the newest campaign, 20V056000, in the NHTSA record
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.
Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on . Complaint file through . Recall file through .
Since the last update
No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks
Recall campaigns
10 campaigns, newest first. 636,351 units in total.
- 20V056000Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator Module
- 06V198000Electrical System
- 04V495000Vehicle Speed Control
- 04V133000Electrical System
- 01V157000Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly
- 99V248000Steering / Linkages / Rod / Relay / Connecting
- 99V131001Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Power Assist / Vacuum / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
- 99V058000Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Filler Pipe and Cap
- 98V134000Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System
- 97V160000Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Filler Pipe and Cap
20V056000Received . 106,857 units.
Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator Module
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number 69BT. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
06V198000Received . 70,512 units.
Electrical System
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected because the circuit in these vehicles contains a fuse, which precludes excessive current flow in the case of a short circuit. Audi s6 and s6 avant vehicles are all equipped with xenon low beam headlights and, therefore, are not longer affected by this recall.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will reroute the wiring harness by installing a jumper wiring harness. The recall began on december 16, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. Manufacturer campaign number JN. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
04V495000Received . 28,300 units.
Vehicle Speed Control
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.8l, v6 5-valve engines, and automatic transmissions, while driving during extremely low ambient temperatures the throttle may freeze in an open position due to ice accumulating in the throttle body.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If this occurs, the vehicle may fail to reduce speed when the driver lifts his/her foot from the gas pedal. This loss of vehicle control could result in a crash without warning.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Audi will install a replacement throttle body kit free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2004. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834. Owners of vehicles which are not registered in the cold-weather states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming, will be notified of a service action, under which they will be provided the free remedy upon request.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. Manufacturer campaign number JB/JG. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
04V133000Received . 172,866 units.
Electrical System
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
01V157000Received . 70,000 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. Vw/audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last june in order to install the updated fuel sending units NHTSA 00v137/audi lb). Owner notification began may 1, 2001. 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 audi at 1-866-892-2834.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC.
99V248000Received . 51,900 units.
Steering / Linkages / Rod / Relay / Connecting
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC. Manufacturer campaign number UL/KW. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
99V131001Received . 88,121 units.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Power Assist / Vacuum / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC. Manufacturer campaign number UH/KU. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
99V058000Received . 27,964 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Filler Pipe and Cap
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with quattro drive system which employs a fuel and fuel vapor leak detection system. If the vehicle is refueled shortly after the engine is started, and is kept running while being refueled, the fuel vapor recovery system could produce sufficient back pressure to cause fuel to be ejected after a complete fill-up when the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filler neck.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the presence of an ignition source, fuel spray could result in fire or possible personal injury.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Vw is providing a new page for the owner's manual and also requesting owners to make an appointment with their dealers to have a label containing important refueling instructions installed inside of the fuel filler door. Dealers will also remove the tire pressure label and replace it with a new label affixed to the fender well at the right rear door.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC. Manufacturer campaign number KT. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
98V134000Received . 19,800 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
97V160000Received . 31 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Filler Pipe and Cap
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During pre-assembly of the fuel tanks, an incorrect filler neck was installed causing the filler neck to not "match" the fuel cap.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could allow fuel to escape and if an ignition source was present, a fire could occur.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace these filler necks.
Report filed by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.
Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.
Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.
Complaints by component
128 complaints, 156 component mentions.
A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.
- 1998 Audi A6
- All 1998 vehicles
| Component | 1998 A6 | All 1998 vehicles | A6, all years | Mentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 211.5 | 36.4 | 72.7 | 33 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 115.4 | 107.5 | 65.7 | 18 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 115.4 | 43.3 | 46.9 | 18 |
| Suspension | 89.7 | 82.7 | 32.2 | 14 |
| Steering | 83.3 | 55.7 | 45.7 | 13 |
| Structure | 57.7 | 45.5 | 25.2 | 9 |
| Electrical System | 57.7 | 82.5 | 153 | 9 |
| Fuel System, Other | 44.9 | 7.5 | 18.8 | 7 |
| Visibility | 38.5 | 56.5 | 29.3 | 6 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 38.5 | 124.5 | 65.7 | 6 |
The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 20.
- Complaints that report a crash
- 6
- Complaints that report a fire
- 7
- Injuries in the complaints
- 4
- Deaths in the complaints
- 0
- Date of the newest complaint
- 12 Mar 2014
These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.
Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.
Investigations
| Number | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Campaign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ06003 | Recall query | DRIVER'S SIDE DASH FIRE | Electrical System | 27 Feb 2006 | 20 Jul 2006 | 06V198000 |
| EA04017 | Engineering analysis | STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE | Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System | 30 Jun 2004 | 10 Feb 2005 | 04V495000 |
| PE04023 | Preliminary evaluation | STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE | Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 Mar 2004 | 30 Jun 2004 | |
| PE03019 | Preliminary evaluation | STEERING WHEEL HEATER OVERHEATS | Steering / Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 15 May 2003 | 17 Sep 2003 | |
| PE02008 | Preliminary evaluation | BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 Jan 2002 | 12 Jul 2002 | |
| PE99001 | Preliminary evaluation | FUEL EXPULSION | Vehicle Speed Control / Linkages | 1 Jan 1999 | 24 Mar 1999 | 99V058000 |
Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.
Other model years
The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.
Official channels
- NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
- NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
- NHTSA page of the 1998 Audi A6The recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.
Cite this page
Recall Register. 1998 Audi A6: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/audi/a6/1998/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through .
Sources
- Source
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
- Licence
- US government work, public domain
- Recall file through
- 29 Sep 2026
- Complaint file through
- 15 May 2019
- First complaint in the file
- 1 Jan 1995
- Manufacturer in the recall file
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.
Questions
- How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A6?
- 636,351 units in 10 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
- How many recall campaigns does the Audi A6 have for all model years?
- NHTSA lists 54 recall campaigns for the Audi A6, model years 1994 to 2025. 10 of them name the 1998 model year.
- Which component do the complaints about the 1998 Audi A6 name most often?
- Fuel System, Gasoline: 33 of 156 component mentions, or 211.5 per 1,000. For all 1998 vehicles the figure is 36.4 per 1,000.
- Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1998 Audi A6 open?
- No. Each of the 6 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.