Model year

1998 Audi A8

Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 28, 1999 to Nov 9, 2006.

Recall campaigns covering this model year394k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints4Below the median 1998 sedan
Severity index25.01998 sedans average 12.4
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1998 Audi A8 peaked in 1999, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.75119991200220052008201120142017202020232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 1998 Audi A8 name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
2
Equipment
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 1998 Audi A8

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A8
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-471Jul 1, 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflateAirbags28,624Part replacement
08V-397Aug 14, 2008Locking cable may move out of position over timePowertrain13,900Repair or modification
99V-248Sep 13, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehiclesSteering51,900Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1998 Audi A8

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 9, 2006Failure Nov 7, 2006105,000 milesFredericksburg, VAAccessory 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

    NHTSA complaint 10173004
  2. Filed Jan 28, 2003Failure Nov 4, 200259,000 milesBrandon, FLAir bags

    AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATES AIRBAG FAILURE. AUDI DEALER CANNOT RECTIFY.

    NHTSA complaint 10003543
  3. Filed Sep 22, 2000Failure Jan 18, 1998Severn, MDAir bagsCrash1 injured

    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."

    NHTSA complaint 732213
  4. Filed Jul 28, 1999Severn, MDExterior

    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. *

    NHTSA complaint 709311
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

56 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 44134620103345 Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • 44145520103346 Oct 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • Update91i8 May 13, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
  • AUD4927ENG Jul 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
  • Edition42 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition53 Sep 16, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • SM562013 Jun 6, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Seat Belt
  • Edition92 Jun 30, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
  • 1335201004313 Jan 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
  • 134120253033 Jun 20, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
  • 133520253032 Apr 25, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
  • 131020182884 Sep 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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-pipe…
  • AWC 19-05 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
  • AWC 19-04 Jul 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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, 2000-2…
  • SM 44-2017 EN Jun 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
  • A1915612025303-5 Jul 7, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 be…
  • A171782 2010043- May 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
  • ATE-17-05 Mar 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due 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 supp…
  • A441662 2010334- Oct 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
  • A941791 2012749- Jul 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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.
  • Accessories Oper Dec 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
  • A441455 2010334- Oct 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
  • 2013_06_ATU Audi Aug 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
  • A001348 2002047- Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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
  • A191335 2025303- Mar 25, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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) ha…
  • A191562 2025303- Sep 8, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 bee…
  • A451510 2042048- Oct 5, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle 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 i…
  • A191341 2025303- Jun 20, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 b…
  • A941292 2012749- Oct 24, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 …
  • A001467 2002047- Jul 31, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
  • A191450 2025303- Jun 20, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 be…
  • A441346 2010334- Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 appl…
  • A901341 2010353- Sep 23, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 proc…
  • A101310 2018288- Sep 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 …
  • A011507 2028344- Feb 13, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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…
  • A941565 2012749- Apr 17, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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.
  • A171557 2010043- Mar 6, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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).
  • A101511 2018288- Mar 17, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes 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 …
  • SB-01-15-29 Jul 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: 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. …
  • TSB-44-13-46 Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: 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. …
  • TSB-94-07-15 Nov 7, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDIO: EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. CONDENSATION IS VISIBLE ON THE INSIDE OF HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNAL OR THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS. DAMP AIR SETTLES ON THE INSIDE OF A COLD LENS, WHICH CREATES CON…
  • TSB-45-08-04 Nov 19, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE
  • TSB-44-08-14 Nov 19, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: WHEEL BOLTS REQUIRE TORQUE ADJUSTMENT. TORQUE STICKS AND TORQUE EXTENSION BARS ARE NOT APPROVED BY AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO APPLY TORQUE TO WHEEL BOLTS. ALL AUDI MODELS INCLUDED. *PE
  • 2012749-2 Feb 26, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE
  • 0715 Nov 7, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *NJ
  • 20056243 Feb 26, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HEADLIGHT AIMING, USING HELLA UNIVERSAL BEAMSETTER. *KB
  • 11242004 Nov 24, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION JE CAMPAIGN-CHECK/REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. AUDI HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE CASES, ONE OR BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT WEAR, EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE TO THE RUBBER BOOTS IS NOT OBVIOU…
  • JE Nov 24, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CHECK/REPLACE REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *TC
  • 042804 Apr 28, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION TO INSPECT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEALS. *TT
  • 9903 Dec 22, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON DEACTIVATING / ACTIVATING THE REAR SIDE AIRBAGS. *TT
  • 9801 Aug 31, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT ON FLOOR MAT FASTENER VARIATIONS. *YC
  • 9803 Aug 19, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT ON FOLDING KEY (KEYLESS REMOTE TRANSMITTER ), INCREASING DISTANCE RANGE. *YC
  • 9802 Aug 13, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDITIONS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, DELAYED DOWNSHIFT ON VEHICLES WITH 4.2L AND 01L TRANSMISSION ON VEHICLES WITH 4.2L AND 01L TRANSMISSION ON VEHICLES WITH 4.2L AND 01L TRANSMISSION. *YC
  • 9803 Oct 13, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDITION WITH INSUFFICIENT VEHICLE GROUND AT GROUND LOCATION 43. *YC
  • 9810 Oct 26, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ON CELLULAR TELEPHONE. *YC
  • 9803K May 7, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CUSTOMER REQUESTS DEACTIVATION OR REACTIVATION OF REAR SIDE AIRBAGS. *YC
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.