Recalls
10campaigns
3 fuel system · 2 electrical · 1 air bag
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
130filed
Owner reports, 1994–2003 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
19mpg combined
$3,437/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.8 L 6-cyl· 5-speed automatic
3 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (10)
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A6. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Air Bag Inflators May Underinflate Bag
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
2.4% repairedof 106,857 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V056000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
CROSSMEMBER COVER/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported70,512 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V198000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/THROTTLE ICING
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L, V6 5-VALVE ENGINES, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WHILE DRIVING DURING EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES THE THROTTLE MAY FREEZE IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO ICE ACCUMULATING IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence
- IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO REDUCE SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER LIFTS HIS/HER FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL. THIS LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy
- AUDI WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT THROTTLE BODY KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED IN THE COLD-WEATHER STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING, WILL BE NOTIFIED OF A SERVICE ACTION, UNDER WHICH THEY WILL BE PROVIDED THE FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST.
Repair progress not yet reported28,300 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V495000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
- Consequence
- A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported172,866 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V133000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FUEL SENDING UNITS
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
- Consequence
- RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported70,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V157000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/TIE RODS
Steering · linkages · rod · relay · connecting
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Repair progress not yet reported51,900 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V248000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/BRAKE BOOSTER
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported88,121 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V131001
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FUEL SPILLAGE
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH QUATTRO DRIVE SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS A FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. IF THE VEHICLE IS REFUELED SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED, AND IS KEPT RUNNING WHILE BEING REFUELED, THE FUEL VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM COULD PRODUCE SUFFICIENT BACK PRESSURE TO CAUSE FUEL TO BE EJECTED AFTER A COMPLETE FILL-UP WHEN THE FUEL PUMP NOZZLE IS REMOVED FROM THE FILLER NECK.
- Consequence
- IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL SPRAY COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy
- VW IS PROVIDING A NEW PAGE FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO REQUESTING OWNERS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE A LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT REFUELING INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLED INSIDE OF THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. DEALERS WILL ALSO REMOVE THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FENDER WELL AT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR.
Repair progress not yet reported27,964 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V058000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/INTAKE AIR SCREEN
Engine and engine cooling · cooling system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING A COLD-START, AN AIR SCREEN WHICH IS LOOSELY SEATED IN THE AIR FLOW METER CAN BECOME DAMAGED.
- Consequence
- SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.
Repair progress not yet reported19,800 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V134000
Listed for 1998 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FUEL FILLER NECK
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRE-ASSEMBLY OF THE FUEL TANKS, AN INCORRECT FILLER NECK WAS INSTALLED CAUSING THE FILLER NECK TO NOT "MATCH" THE FUEL CAP.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE AND IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FILLER NECKS.
Repair progress not yet reported31 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V160000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (130)
130 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The fuel system is mentioned most often.
6involved a crash
7involved a fire
4injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 130 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 34 | 26.2% |
| Service brakes | 19 | 14.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 13.8% |
| Steering | 13 | 10% |
| Suspension | 11 | 8.5% |
| Structure | 9 | 6.9% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 6.2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 4.6% |
| Visibility | 5 | 3.8% |
| Air bags | 4 | 3.1% |
How 1998 compares with other A6 years
Best and worst A6 years →19942
199516
199651
199720
1998130
1999217
2000148
2001113
200288
200366
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 | 1 |
| 1995 | 16 | 2 |
| 1996 | 51 | 2 |
| 1997 | 20 | 2 |
| 1998 | 130 | 10 |
| 1999 | 217 | 9 |
| 2000 | 148 | 4 |
| 2001 | 113 | 7 |
| 2002 | 88 | 4 |
| 2003 | 66 | 7 |
This year (1998)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 19 mpg combined
19
mpg combined
16
city
25
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,350
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 468 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$3,437per year
$286per month
789gallons a year
Miles ÷ 19 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | $4,550 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1998 A6 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1998 Audi A6 FAQ
How many recalls does the 1998 Audi A6 have?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 20V056000 (air bag), 06V198000 (electrical), 04V495000 (vehicle speed control), 04V133000 (electrical), 01V157000 (fuel system), 99V248000 (steering), 99V131001 (brake), 99V058000 (fuel system), 98V134000 (engine), 97V160000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1998 Audi A6 problems?
Owners filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. Fuel system (34), Service brakes (19), Vehicle speed control (18) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1998 Audi A6 get?
EPA rates the 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic version at 16 city, 25 highway and 19 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1998 A6 compare with other years?
Among the 1994–2003 Audi A6 model years at least five years old, the 1994 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 1999 the most (217). The 1998 drew 130. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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