1998 Audi A4 engine problems
31 complaints about engine have been filed for the 1998 Audi A4, which is 10% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 31 10% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 75,000 miles 17 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 17 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 75,000 miles, and 29% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 injury.
What owners wrote
While driving 1998 audi 1.8 t along highway when timing belt failed, without warning, wrecking engine. Car had only 58k miles, and owners manual does not recommend replacing timing belt until 90k miles. There is no TSB for the belt but audi is aware of the problem and requires all new timing belts to be installed in a new configuration.
Audi a4 1.8t q timing belt tensioner failed at 75,000 causing catastrophic engine damage. Service interval published by audi is no earlier than 90,000mi. Tensioner failure is known defect and has been redesigned by audi, yet audi will not acknowledge the defect. Audi claims no responsibility nor have they published any TSB alerting people to have this part replaced early.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Audi A4
- Brakes 142 complaints
- Suspension 27 complaints
- Electrical system 24 complaints
- Steering 23 complaints
- Air bags 17 complaints