Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Audi A4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When the car was about a year old, the entire airbag system had to be replaced, the repair facility noted to me that I was lucky to bring it in when I did, as it was at risk for spontaneous deployment. Additional problems included an oil pump failure ($750) at about the three year mark; and occasional sudden lurching/RPM revving or sudden onset of a 'lag' in power, which the dealer noted when I brought it in but could do nothing about. I have also had problems with the fuel indicator gauge being grossly inaccurate - indicating I have used only a quarter tank of fuel to drive 350 miles. However, the most bothersome ongoing problem is four or five trips to the dealer to repair a non-functioning cruise control system. Each time they have 'replaced the vacuum hoses' but this 'repair' will begin to fail again later that same day. …
Turbo-charger broke down. It should not have happened at 68000 as it is not a wearable part. The car started stalling, pressed gas pedal but there was no movement. Scale of the RPM's on the dash board went all the way to 5500 RPM's, when I pressed a gas pedal, but the car did not move. Suddenly, I was engulfed in humungous amount of white smoke. Brought car to don rosen Audi service center and they are saying that repair will cost me some $1,600 at least. But, I brought my car in, month ago to don rosen Audi authorized service center with complaint that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust and that vehicle was running at 60% of its power. They looked at it and said they did not see any problem, particularly that the turbo-charger was just fine. …
At approximately 68,800 miles the timing belt on my Audi A4 1.8t quattro broke as I was pulling into traffic. This occured approximately 6 weeks after the expiration of the manufacturers extended warranty. The auto has been meticulously maintained since its purchase and has all the pertinent service records. The current repair estimate is $4,000 to $5,000. The current recommended replacement interval for the timing belt by Audi is 90,000 to 105,000 miles. Audi USA currently will not provide any assistance in the repair of this vehicle. I have performed some internet research and aside from the 2 complaints on the NHTSA website I have found numerous similar complaints of aud A4 and vw passat 1.8t timing belts breaking well in advance of the 90,000 miles service interval. …
1999 Audi A4 2.8. Third time the car needs to replace leaking cam seals on engine. All cam seal repairs completed by original dealer repair dept. First repair was only at 39,000 miles and 6 months off of warranty, in November 2003. 2nd repair was only two years and 30,000 miles later, at 69,000 miles, in February 2005. 3rd repair now needed, only after 35,000 miles later, at 105,000 miles. I have read that this is an ongoing problem with the A4 model manufactured over the course of several years, including 1999, and that the cam seals should last much longer than 35,000 miles. Audi corporate refused to assist with expenses with the 2nd repair. I am in discussions with Audi corporate about the expenses for the 3rd repair. …
1999 Audi A4 1.8t quattro, VIN: [redacted] timing belt failed while driving. Maintenance schedule recommends replacement of this belt at the interval of 105,000 miles. This failure occurred at 67,600 miles one month after warranty ran out (per Audi, carfax indicates car still under warranty). This extremely early failure suggests a manufacturer defect exists with this engine. Audi advocate investigating at this time, but has suggested that this manufacturer defect will not be covered by Audi. I disagree, this should be covered as an unacceptable failure, impossible to avoid by consumer, as I would never have guessed to replace at an earlier time, let alone, at 50% of manufacturer"s recommended interval.
The vw/Audi 1.8t engine has been experiencing an alarming number of premature timing belt failures, causing instantaneous power failure and catastrophic valve train damage. (search audiworld.com for timing belt failure.) failures have occurred as low as 45K miles. Mine went at 90K miles although the service manual makes no mention of scheduled replacement. If this had happened while passing or on the interstate, a serious accident could have occurred. These vehilcles should be recalled or at least Audi should notify the owners of the problem. The timing belts should be replaced to avoid a potential fatal accident. There is also a known timing belt tensioner problem in pre-2000 model year cars that causes failure.
The timing chain on my 1999 Audi a-4 1.8 turbo with 76,000 miles broke as I was driving on a busy freeway during rush hour, leaving me a a potentially dangerous situation. Fortunately, my car was not hit by other cars. As a result, however, the engine and transmission as well as the timing chain were all trashed. The manufacturer recommends replacing the timing chain at 90,000 miles, but Audi of north America told me that they noiw recommend replacement at 70,000 or 75,000. They did not recommend it to me or to the dealer where my car has been serviced (following all the manufacturers recommendations) and the local Audi dealer said that since the warranty had expired they would do nothing.
Timing belt failed at 64000 miles and caused engine damage (replacement of heads). Total repair cost came to $4000. Two weeks before the accident I had a full inspection by Audi and specifically asked Audi service rep if I needed to change the belt. I was told not worry since Audi recommends 90K change interval (and even 105K on the newer models). Car was a few months out of warranty. Audi USA and the local Audi dealer who recommended not to change the belt refused to pay for the repair.
At 51,000 miles I had the catalytic converter replaced on my Audi under warranty due to a broken pipe flange. I now have 102,000 on the Audi and the same part is broken. Audi USA will not replace or repair this part. I feel it must be a defect in the workmanship or materials since a catalytic converter should not be replaced until it is worn out and not before then. This is part of the emissions system and the epa should also know about this.
We own an Audi A4 that we have had too many repairs. The car has needed a turbo at 55,000 miles, oil pump at 63,000 miles, ignition computer at 68,000 miles and rack and pinion steering at 73,000 miles. We are aware that the car is at high mileage, but this car is suppose to get 200,000 miles out of it. The car was serviced at dealers the entire time. We think that perhaps there are defects in the car that other drivers are experiencing.
Engine complaints in other A4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Audi A4?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Audi A4, 15% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Audi A4 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 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 1999 Audi A4 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.