Most common 1999 Audi Quattro problems
Share of the 21 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 1999 Audi Quattro owners say
Brakes
1999 Audi a4 Quattro ABS light /brake light. ABS light problem. The problem started when slowing to a stop (normally) the ABS unit would jump in and act as if I was skidding, when obviously I wasn't. At this point ABS light was not on. After about a month of this funny ABS actuation maybe once a week, the ABS light decided to come on and stay on along with a blinking brake light and beeping. At times it would shut off, but would come back on at some point during that day. I had the speed sensor replaced, but to no avail. Now it always blinks when running.diagnostics show no problem. There seems to be too many postings about this same issue which sounds like the ABS control module needs to be replaced. Dealer said they could repair it at a cost of approx. $1600.00 . Dealer said even though it is a common problem it was not covered under recall. …
The ABS light comes on intermitently. It will come on, beep 3 times, and then flash for a while. It will stay on for some time, and then turn off. This problem has no relationship to when I'm moving or stopped. The ABS light May turn on or off an an time. And when I try to connect with the handheld diagnositc system, it fails to connect and give an error code. Occasionally we have gotten some obsure error messages about a dash connector failure, but ususly we cannot connect with the handheld unit, or pc. I've been told that the brake should still work, but that the back breaks May lockup.
Fuel & propulsion system
Potentially dangerous with fuel sending unit. Experienced 7 recalls since the purchased of 1999 Audi Quattro. The consumer stated periodically the vehicle would start, the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions and it was finally determined that the problem was due to carbon build up on certain engine parts. The fuel sending unit was finally recalled.
Leaking cam tensioner gaskets. Other 1999 Audi owners reporting same problem and have stated they have had these gaskets replaces more than once.
Steering
Control arms for the front suspension fail frequently. On 2/29/04 a control arm broke while pulling out of my driveway. I have replaced 7 so far, with 2 more needing to be done. Some are on the second time in the 1.5 years I have owned the car. There were 4 other same model cars in the shop for the same thing that day. This is a common problem that is dangerous and is known by Audi, or should be known by them. At times, you can't get the part because they fail so frequently. My shop recommended filing a complaint because it is a dangerous situation and he sees it every day. At $200 a control arm, it gets very expensive.
Battery exploded while vehicle was parked in garage. On 23 March, 2002 while starting vehicle battery exploded again. Engine light stays on. Faulty coolant temperature sensor had to be replaced. Belt noise at startup. Oil leak continuously. Rough idle. Brake warning light on. Brake pads had to be replaced. High pitch noise from steering. Power steering rack leaking. Power steering gear and rack and loose hose replaced. Power windows works erratically. Turn signals inoperative. Poor connection found. Instrument cluster fades out as vehicle warms up. Found defective cluster and had to be replaced. Washer jug broken and washer light stays on. Defective leaking pump replaced. Excessive humming noise. Replaced defective differential unit. All wheel drive final drive assembly installed. Coolant leaking. Replaced coolant .
1999 Audi Quattro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Audi Quattro a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Quattro rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Quattro at the same age. It is one of the Quattro years we suggest avoiding. 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 1999 Audi Quattro?
The brakes — 6 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (4) and steering (4).
How many recalls does the 1999 Audi Quattro have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Audi Quattro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 30% 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.