Most common 1998 Audi Quattro problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi Quattro complaints by model year
Best Quattro years: 1996, 2000. Years to avoid: 1999. Compare all years →
What 1998 Audi Quattro owners say
Brakes
I purchased an Audi a4 1.8t Quattro used with 49,000 miles on the odometer and began to notice the ABS light along with the brake light start to flicker occasionally while driving at the 70,000 mile range. Within a month of the first sign of failure it would come on earlier (in relation to engine start up) and more often up to the point of it flashing constantly upon engine start up. As a result of this I realized that my car's ABS system is basically disabled as I no longer feel the brakes pulsing during rainy and wet condition testing . I believe this to be a safety issue as I have become somewhat accustomed to braking with the system under normal operating conditions. The system requires the user to press on the brakes firmly and evenly and to also not let off or pump the brakes as doing so will not let the ABS. To perform as designed. …
I purchased my 1998 Audi a4 1.8t AWD vehicle in April of 2004 with 91,000. The brakes and rotors were replaced in May of 2004. The car has had no problems with the brakes until July 11, 2005. On this date the ABS light came on once. I checked the ABS module for DTC codes and it displayed a code to do with an intermitant connection between the instrument cluster and the ABS control module. ABS will not function when the light is on. With the module no longer functioning, the ABS pump May malfunction causing overheating and/or locking up of brakes on individual wheels. This May cause the vehicle to be unsafe as the rear wheels May lock up more easily under hard braking and cause the vehicle to spin while braking around a corner. …
1998 Audi Quattro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Audi Quattro a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Quattro rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Quattro 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 Quattro?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the steering (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Audi Quattro have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Audi Quattro. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi Quattro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999. See the full Audi Quattro years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Audi Quattro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 17% 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.