The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold May not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
The risk
This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
The fix
Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V131001 (99V131001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | UH/KU |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | May 21, 1999 |
| Owners notified | October 9, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 88,121 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V131001 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 88,121 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.