1999 Audi A4: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 190 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (41% of complaints); the 1997 and 2000 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the contact was unaware of the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 308,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2015
“As I was opening the hood of the car to fill up the window washer, the hood did not stay up as usual. It started to close and it hit my head on the way down. I am wondering if there have been other reports of the same incident. Luckily, I suffered only minor damage to my head, however I have on going headaches as a result. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2012
“The car is experiencing unintended acceleration, usually, but not always, after heavy acceleration. Over 10 occurrences. Cannot remedy by pulling back the accelerator. Car must be turned off and the engine must record 0 rpm to remedy the problem. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“The events that led to the failure of the car is when it started to throw smoke from the exhaust and we found out about the failure when we took it the mechanic who told us the engine was no good. So far im looking for a new engine. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2011
“I bought an audi a4 1999 1.8t fwd. The next day I bought it the ABS orange light came on & brake light flashing non-stop with three beeps when I start the car its been like that for more than a week. Yesterday I took the car to the closest audi dealer and they quote me 1,200 that's a lot since this problems with the ABS unit is poor manufacture problem. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2011
“Bosch ABS control unit has failed causing a flashing ABS indicator and a solid brake light. Cause is electronic. Many documented cases found on line. ABS will not engage. Audi will not recall, but vw has recalled for the same problem. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. While driving 20 mph the contact noticed that smoke had begun to come from underneath the drivers side seat. No flames were visible and the fire department was not called. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the entire wiring system needed to be replaced. The failure was not diagnosed. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 104000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle began independently shifting into manual mode from automatic. The contact was able to adjust the shifter to normal but the failure persisted. The dealer advised the shifter blind and the printed circuit board would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage and current mileages were 126,963.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2010
“1999 audi q4. Consumer writes in regards to the repair of ABS light/brake light problem *tgw the consumer stated he noticed a solid orange ABS light on the dashboard and a red light that was blinking intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for repairs. However, while driving, it was noticed that the ABS and brake lights had illuminated again after paying over $2,000 in repairs. Another dealer recommended replacing the ABS module. The consumer also stated the vehicle had lost power. The dealer informed the consumer it was due to a bad fuel pump. (the consumer wrote in on behalf of his father)*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2010
“ABS control module light flashing and beeping ona 1 999 audi a4. Although I thought it was only a warning, on down hill driving the brakes are effected and seem to lock up and make a noise. The feel of the pedal is also effected. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · Jun 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
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.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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.
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.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact A4 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Audi A4 reliable?
NHTSA has 190 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Audi A4. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Audi A4 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Audi A4 have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.