Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Audi A4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ABS module/sensor failure. This problem occurs frequently with other Audi owners and has been thoroughly documented on sites such as mycarstats.com. Basically the ABS and brake lights would come on while driving, accompanied by a beep. After initial research, I was able to confirm the module had failed and would require replacement. Local Audi dealer quoted 1500 for the module plus labor. Luckily, I found an alternative by sending the faulty module to modulemaster.com. This company specializes in repairing defektive circuitry. The labor is warrantied for the life of the vehicle and costs 300.00 (including shipping and misc. Stuff). The car was still driveable while the module was out. Their website contained a video on how to properly access the module, remove it, and replace it once it was repaired. All in all, I saved myself '1200 plus labor'. …
Audi complaint and recall request the anti lock braking system no longer works like it should. When the vehicle is started I get a solid amber ABS warning light along with a flashing brake light accompanied with three warning tones. Upon doing an internet search I immediately realized this problem with the Bosch 5.3 ABS control module unit is extremely common on 1998 to 2001 Audi and vw models. Audi/vw created a service bulletin to repair vw's in the same date range (bulletin 0517 NHTSA id number: 10016037), but ignored the issue with Audi's. As per the vehicle's owner's manual, it states that while the system is in this state, the rear brakes May lock up under braking. This is a serious problem that will not allow me to brake quickly in emergency situations. The cost of replacing the ABS module from the dealership was quoted at over $1000. …
2001 Audi A4 began to smoke. Drove 5 minutes to a friend's house and parked in driveway, consumer went inside of house, and car was sitting for 20 minutes. Then, someone knocked, and told consumer that car was sitting in the middle of traffic. Car disengaged on its own, and almost ran over two children. Took to dealer, and they said back brake pads, and rotors were burned to a crisp. No conclusion to why this happened or why car rolled into traffic on its own. Also, the brake pedal went to the floor when the consumer applied the brakes. The consumer's investigation showed that there were numerous reports about spongy brakes regarding this vehicle. The consumer feels unsafe driving this vehicke but the dealer and the manufacturer could not find solution to the problem.
1. When the ABS is activated during snow or ice conditions. 2. The brakes "stick" and the ABS is not fully deactivated once your foot is off the brake pedal. Often the rear driver side brake is still engaged slightly during driving. When stopped you can smell the rubbing brakes and you can tell the brake is rubbing while driving as it slows down the vehicle. It usually unsticks after several miles of driving or leaving the car sit overnight not running. 3. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer several times over the years, but they tell me that there is nothing wrong with the brakes or ABS system.
ABS intermittent. System goes from fine, to inoperative with no warning. Details: intermittently get three beeps from the instrument cluster, with the yellow ABS light lit steadily, and the red brake warning light blinking. While the system is in this state, the ABS control module is not available via diagnostic interface, and the ABS is inoperative. Shop diagnostics says: 01203 - electrical connection between ABS and instrument cluster 03-10 - no signal - intermittent details of affected equipment: ABS control module is 8e0-614-111-a (Bosch ABS/eds version 5.3).
Brakes power assist fail at / just after startup when selecting reverse or drive while the air conditioning is on. I reported the problem to the Audi exchange in highland park, il last year. They were unable to reproduce the problem, at the time as I was unaware that it only occurred when the A/C was on and at low speed after initial start up. This occurred again this summer when I was trying to move out of a parking spot and was unable to stop. The result was that I hit another car at low speed causing no damage to either.
There are hundreds of complaints online about the anti-lock braking failing in Audi's and vw's built between 1996 and 2001. According to my mechanic, this is a very common problem that they've seen a lot of. See many owners discussing the problem here: http://Audi-vw-ABS-recall.blogspot.com/2005/07/Audi-and-vw-please-recall-cars-between.html the ABS is a very important piece of safety equipment, and it seems irresponsible to me that Audi has failed to recall a very common and known manufacturing defect.
On my 2000 Audi A4 the anti lock braking system no longer works. I get a solid amber ABS warning light along with a flashing brake light accompanied with three warning tones when I start the car. After much research, this is a common problem on 1998 to 2001 Audi and vw models. I have not heard of any recall, however there should be one. This is a serious problem that will not allow me to brake quickly in all situations especially winter conditions and the cost to get it replaced is far too much.
Passenger front brake pad sepatated from the metal backing plate while within service specification (0.25 in of pad) and resulted in long braking distances and greatly reduced pedal pressure. Pedal pressure could not be recovered under repetitive brake actuations. The car became unsafe to operate at any speed. There was no warning before the failure. Audi of America refuses to replace the defective part under Audi assured warranty stating that this is not related to a manufacturers defect.
Audi A4 2000 1.8t (1) ABS light flashing. Brought to dealer. Quoted $600 for repair kit, $1500 for new module. Both prices do not include labor. Searched internet and hundreds of other Audi A4 owners have experienced the same issue. (2) ABS is now intermittent on my car and warning light is on constantly. (3) can't correct right away b/c my Audi dealership is 6 months back ordered. I assume because so many owners are experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA investigations
Brake and clutch pedal bracket
Degraded braking in wet weather
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other A4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Audi A4?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Audi A4, 53% of the model year's 96 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Audi A4 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Audi A4, though it has 2 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 2000 Audi A4 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes 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.