Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Audi A4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I received a recall on my 1998 Audi a-4 for a problem with both front suspension lower control arms. When I took it in the dealer said these were okay, but the upper front suspension control arms were bad, and also the steering tie-rods. When I called Audi that it was the upper not the lower control arms that were bad they said they wouldn't do anything because the recall was for the lower. I took it to an independent repair technitian to confirm, which he did. He also said it was dangerous to drive the car with the tie rods in such bad condition. Repair costs are about $500. Because the upper and lower control arms are both part of the same unit and the car does not have high mileage (59,000 miles) I do not feel it is right for me to have bear this cost.
Re: NHTSA recall id number: 99V248000 (sep 13, 1999) I own an 1998 Audi A4 [redacted]. On 03/11/2003 I had the $1,3000 repair of tie rods and front wheel bearing at houston momentum Audi that seemed to be exactly what is described in the recalls consequences. The Audi of America does not show my vehicle among those subject to the recall. When I called them, they could not provide any reasoning, nor could they reconcile their references with the NHTSA recall. I believe, I should be reimbursed by Audi and would appreciate your help in resolving this matter. Sincerely, [redacted]. Updated 07/19/2012
Control arm on my 1998 Audi A4 fractured when pulling out of a parking lot, causing complete loss of steering control. Audi technical service bulletin NHTSA # 10016418, #11242004 component description: 22. Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm bulletin number: 11242004 bulletin date: nov 2004 vehicle: 1,998 Audi A4 summary: service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms. Audi has found that in rare cases, one or both front suspension lower control arms on affected vehicles can exhibit wear, even though the damage to the rubber bo ( NHTSA item number - 10016418 ).
Dt: the contact states that he is unable to have a recall 99V248000 repaired without charge. He purchased a used vehicle last week with an outstanding recall, when he took the vehicle to the dealer to have recall repair completed. The manufacturer refused to offer a free remedy. The recall stated that the tie rods would be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that because there was no damage to the rubber boots the tie rods would not be replaced free of charge. The dealer provided a repair order indicating that the lower control arm was damaged.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Audi A4. While applying pressure to the brake pedal, the contact noticed that the wheels on the vehicle appeared to move in an outward direction. Also, when turning, she heard a loud grinding noise and the steering column became difficult to turn. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 99V248000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting). The vehicle is currently being repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.
This consumer experienced the same problem as stated in NHTSA recall 99V244000. 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. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The consumer requested reimbursement.
The vehicle developed a severe vibration in the front end. The upper, lower suspension arms and the tie rod ends were replaced. There was a severe oil leakage observed coming from the engine during acceleration. Oil was found in the spark plug cavities and the spark plug wires protective sleeve was brittle due to high engine temperature.
My 1998 Audi A4 tqm has 85K miles onit. I just had all the lower control arms replaced for a second time (first tiem done under recall) becaus eit was creaking and growning. Both tie rodsends and one upper control arm were found to have failed as well. Audi advises these are "wear items" even though the lower control arms wer eoriginally replaced under recall, and have only 45000 miles on them!
I am the owner of a 1998 Audi A4 1.8t car. My complaint is my timing belt gave out on the vehicle at 48,643 mls. The owners manual states that the belt should be good for 90,000 mls. My second comlaint is that the tie rods on the front end. Of the vehicle need to be replaced. These items should not be giving out on a vehicle with such low mileage. I have not received any notices about any recalls.
I just recently purchased my car and I took it to Audi dealership to get an oil changed and found out that passenger tire rod needs to be replaced, and I told the mechanic that, is there any recall on this model?, I was told that there is none.., did my researched and found out that there was a recall on my car (NHTSA campaign id number: 99V248000 ).
Related recalls
Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Steering complaints in other A4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Audi A4?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Audi A4, 9% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Audi A4 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-248 (connecting, Sep 13, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi A4 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.