general problems of the 1998 Audi A4

Six problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 1998 Audi A4. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2011

The anti lock brake control modulator unit failed, and now I have brakes that do not work. At the slightest pedal pressure, all 4 wheels will have a strong pulsating, giving you about 1/3 of the braking pressure that is needed. Volkswagens used a nearly identical part, and their abs controller is under recall, I do not understand why NHTSA, cannot force Audi of America to do the same. Thank you.

2 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2006

1998 manual Audi A4. The temperature was 32 degrees f or below. The conditions were steady snow and wet/icy/slush roads. I experienced complete break failure when exiting the highway to a rest area. I pumped the breaks and regained some breaking power to finally slow the vehicle. I completely missed the proper exiting lane due to lack of breaking. No injuries or damage resulted. This is not the first incident of loss of breaking power.

3 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2003

1998 Audi A4 1. 8 liter quattro. Experiencing reduced braking capability when brakes are wet. This is the exact complaint being investigated in NHTSA action number pe00016. The brakes work fine when dry, but effectiveness is greatly reduced when wet, and stopping distance increases significantly, causing a safety concern.

4 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2003

I have had many close calls in rainy weather when trying to stop in my 1998 Audi A4 1. 8t quattro. In dry weather braking is fine. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. I am more than certain I would have hit someone if I would not keep a greater distance knowing the horrible braking performance in wet weather.

5 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2002

Consumer stated that when braking and without warning they will have bad brake performance during rainy weather causing the vehicle to have extend stopping distance. Dealer notified. Ts.

6 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1998

Terrible wet braking performance, the first 1 or 2 pedal applications in the rain cause no slowing down. The pedal needs to be pumped to dry the rotor. I went through several brake pad compounds with no improvement. Of all the Audis that I owned, the A4 brakes are the worst. Hell, these brakes are the worst of all the cars that I owned!.




Safety Ratings of A4 Cars
Fuel Economy of A4 Vehicles
A4 Service Bulletins
A4 Safety Recalls
A4 Defect Investigations