Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
After less that 70K miles, the upper control arms (specifically the bushings that protect the control arms' joints) on my Audi A4 have proved defective. According to my technician, the control arms are the part of the car that make steering possible; therefore, faulty control arms create an enormous safety hazard and a liability. Audi has already issued a recall for the lower control arms, but the recall does not cover the upper control arms -- despite the fact that the upper control arms are more defective. Every Audi technician that I've spoken to about this defect has admitted that Audi is ducking the problem, and as a consumer I feel cheated. Audi is not operating on good faith. This is bad business that leaves unassuming consumers bearing the burden not only of costly repairs but also of hazardous mechanical failures.
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.
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 ).
I have a 1998.5 Audi A4 quattro v6 with the sports package. Many have complained about control arms failing and there has even been news of Audi/vw having a recall for them in europe, but not the U.S. Many have complained about wheels falling off due to bad control arms and mine have been replaced due to noise and torn worn out control arms. They failed at 77,000 miles and had to have all of them replaced (about $900 w/labor). My VIN# is waued28d8wa35854. My current control arms are starting to make noise again and I really feel unsafe after hearing about wheels falling off due to bad control arms.
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.
I received a recall notice for the lower control arms on my 1998 Audi A4. I contacted the dealer to schedule the service. They are going to inspect my control arms. If they need to be replaced I must pay for the replacement because I can prove that I had an Audi technician look at the control arms at the regularly scheduled intervals. This seems very unsafe seeing how it affects the steering of the car. It also seems unusual an inspection of the control arms would prevent a failure of the control arms.
1998 Audi A4 FWD / 101,000 miles / broken drivers side front lower control arm / front suspension component (lower front control arm) snapped at bushing as I was parking. Car was rendered limp and could not be towed due to probable fender damage that would be caused by dragging limp wheel. Had this component broken at higher speeds a catastrophic accident would have been unavoidable.
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.
Rear coil springs failed at 114000 miles- cracked in half, fronts probably next. Vehicle's life has been in the northeast subject to heavy use of road salt; seems spring composition similar to the brake rotors and coil springs on Ford products that prompted a similar recall. An issue like this isn't expected from Audi, and is disappointing.
Control arms on driver and passenger side have gone bad in the last year. I dont think that is right for the parts to fail like that.. I bought the Audi cause I thought it would be a safe and reliable car, when all it has been for me is a money trap.
Suspension complaints in other A4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Audi A4?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Audi A4, 9% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower arm (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Audi A4 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1998 Audi A4, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi A4 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles.
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.