Most common 1998 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A8 complaints by model year
Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →
1998 Audi A8 recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 Audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable May move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on September 12, 2008.
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.
1998 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 A8 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Audi A8?
The air bags — 2 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (1) and equipment & accessories (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Audi A8 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1998 Audi A8, the most recent from July 1, 2022 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 105,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.