1998 Audi A8
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1998 Audi A8. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Audi A8. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 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 inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
Volkswagen IS recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi A8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. the locking cable may move out of position over time. with the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key IS not in the ignition lock.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. the recall began on september 12, 2008. owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
4 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Tire jack supplied by audi USA for the audi A8 IS very dangerous. It IS manufactured out of cheap aluminum and IS not rugged enough to lift the car even on flat pavement. the jack bent under the weight of the car and has the potential to hurt someone. *jb
- Air bags
Airbag warning light indicates airbag failure. Audi dealer cannot rectify.
- Air bags
Single occupant in vehicle (driver) vehicle was forced off the road and entered a ditch about three-four feet deep. Passenger's air bag, front, fired. The audi A8 clearly states in the sales literature that the passenger's airbag IS interlocked out when no passenger in the vehicle. The driver was…
Single occupant in vehicle (driver) vehicle was forced off the road and entered a ditch about three-four feet deep. Passenger's air bag, front, fired. The audi A8 clearly states in the sales literature that the passenger's airbag IS interlocked out when no passenger in the vehicle. The driver was the only occupant and there were no parcels, shopping bags, and etc. On the passenger's seat. Audi & the dealership have been highly unpleasant to deal with concerning this "perfectly normal operation of the passenger's airbag."
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Blind spots, rear visibility: audi's refusal to replace outside mirrors. The passenger's outside mirror an drivers poorly designed and have tremendous blind spots. Driving a $70K with mirror assemblies that do not provide safe rear vision monitoring IS outrageous and dangerous. Poor rear vision…
Blind spots, rear visibility: audi's refusal to replace outside mirrors. The passenger's outside mirror an drivers poorly designed and have tremendous blind spots. Driving a $70K with mirror assemblies that do not provide safe rear vision monitoring IS outrageous and dangerous. Poor rear vision results from excessively wide c pillars, rear seat head rests that do not have storage recesses or other provisions for preventing them from obscuring large areas of the rear window. The dealer has and audi have been less than helpful even when I pointed out that a 19991/2 A4 ($30,000) right ouside mirror has almost twice the visual field as my A8. Audi's response to me has been terrible, and their suggested actions include my having to purchase and have installed approximately $1000 for right and left outside mirror. The latest A4'S rear head rests recess into the top of the rear seats and provide almost no obscuration or rear vision. I requested assistance from audi at purchase time re: rear head rest pointing out my great dane was the only rear seat passenger, and my willingness to sign a release if the head rests were removed and able to be reinstalled easily. Audi has totally ignored my request for safety critical replacements for mirrors, and audi has apparently terrorized the dealership because criswell audi IS now refusing to even consider any aftermarket part installation on my audi A8 incuding a back up radar transciever that only needs a two wire hook up and senses objects within 12' of the rear bumper when backing up. Finally each area of concern about that I have about my car, limits my car's utility esp rear vision concerns, and are severe enough safety concerns I have fewer than 6000 miles in 18 months of ownership. The 99.5 adn year 2000 audi's have address each of my areas of concern in their new vehicles mirror size, field of view, and rear head rests, however, I am still being stone walled re: safety issues that have plagued this car since I purchased it. *
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10242632Seat Belt
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
- 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216638If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10164518This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10163501This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128399Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10128350This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10128222Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support dealers in USA and Canada.
- 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10127856This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
- 10124898This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
- 10124751Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
- 10124690This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
- 10123901Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center
- 10123882Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123764Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123713Vehicle will not communicate with diagnostic scan tool or emissions test equipment. Customers may have issues with vehicle passing state IM emissions test programs because the scan tool cannot communicate with the vehicle. ABS and/or brake lamp(s) will be illuminated in IP cluster. Broken ground bond wire within the ABS module (ABS 5.3 system) causes diagnostic communication issues with the ABS module, ECM, and TCM. Brake system and ABS system functionality are not affected by the broken ground circuit. This bulletin only addresses the communication issue (broken ground circuit) between the vehicle and the diagnostic scan tool described above. This bulletin does not address any subsequent vehicle diagnostic system issues that may exist. OBD system works normally; emission or diagnostic critical malfunctions will be indicated by MIL illumination. ABS system is not functionally affected by the broken ground circuit.
- 10123587Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10122766Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation. The headlight circulation system allows air from the outside to flow through the headlights. This open waterprotected ventilation system (needed for pressure compensation) creates different climate zones in the headlight: very warm areas, where the lens is warmed up by the light, and relatively cool areas, where the lens is cooled own by the air flow. Considerable differences in humidity and temperature between the inside and the outside of the headlights, even while driving, can lead to condensation. This is especially true in cold and wet weather, but it can also happen after a car wash, after steam cleaning the engine or the front end, with overnight temperature changes, etc. This phenomenon is more visible on lenses made of clear glass than on lenses with patterns. The moisture does not affect the headlight function (light performance) and does not lead to corrosion or other damage to headlight parts.
- 10122524Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 10122415Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10121408Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel bolts. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to attain the correct wheel bolt torque and follow the proper wheel tightening procedure as outlined in Elsa. Proper use of a calibrated torque wrench ensures that all wheel bolts are tightened equally and reduces the chances of repeat repairs. Using methods other than a calibrated torque wrench to attain correct wheel bolt torque may lead to problems.
- 10121365Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating process has completed. As a result, the socket can become inoperative when used as a power outlet.
- 10121324Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If the vehicle's engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10120682Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. This bulletin applies only to non-diesel engines.
- 10120003Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens.
- 10119946Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 504 00/507 00).
- 10119945Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If the engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these metal debris pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, they could be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10058584Audi: engine, on some vehicles, would run irregularly or have malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on or possible filter element for camshaft adjustment valve can loosen and in oil circuit, there IS no damage from loosened particles. Model all. All years.
- 10054859Audi: on certain vehicles, use calibrated torque wrench and not torque sticks, torque extension bars and impact guns/wrenches not approved for usage on wheel bolts by manufacturer, that can cause damage to brake, steering wheel, hub. Model 1995-2014 all.
Every Audi A8 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.