NHTSA vehicle safety data
1999 Audi A4 Recalls & Complaints
The 1999 Audi A4 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 190 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1999 Audi A4. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1999 Audi A4 owner complaints
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Audi A4, describing incidents dated December 1, 1998 to March 1, 2015.
Most-cited components
- Service Brakes 89 complaints
- Engine 28 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 16 complaints
- Steering 14 complaints
- Electrical System 11 complaints
- Power Train 10 complaints
Of the 190 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 190 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #10822780 · Filed
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…
ODI #10487641 · Filed
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…
ODI #10456618 · Filed
MY AUDI, ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE HAD THEIR ABS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION BECAUSE OF DESIGN. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE ABS TO NOT WORK ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN, THE COMPANY THAT PRODUCES AUDIS AND VWS ACTUALLY RECALLED THIS EXACT PART ON THEIR VW VEHICLES, BUT FOR SOME REASON…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Audi A4 in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA04-017: STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
Closed February 10, 2005
- Preliminary Evaluation PE02-008: BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET
Closed July 12, 2002
- Engineering Analysis EA00-021: DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHER
Closed March 29, 2002
- Recall Query RQ99-008: POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS
Closed November 14, 2000
- Preliminary Evaluation PE00-016: DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITION
Closed August 11, 2000
Air Bag Inflators May Underinflate Bag
NHTSA #20V056000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 31, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 106,857 vehicles
Repair completion: 2.4% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 69BT · Owners notified September 21, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Water Pump may cause Failure of Timing Belt
NHTSA #14E007000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice
Reported March 7, 2014 · The Gates Corporation
Potentially affected: 50 vehicles
Repair completion: 2% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified May 1, 2014
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS
NHTSA #06E060000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice
Reported June 29, 2006 · AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 87,745 vehicles
Owners notified August 1, 2006
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AAI MOTORSPORTS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS
NHTSA #06E049000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice
Reported May 24, 2006 · CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
Potentially affected: 27,176 vehicles
Owners notified July 1, 2006
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
VW/TIE RODS
NHTSA #00V414000 · Steering — Linkages — Rod — Relay — Connecting · NHTSA notice
Reported December 6, 2000 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 83,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign WL/LW · Owners notified February 5, 2001 · Vehicles built August 1, 1998 – April 30, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
VW/TIE RODS
NHTSA #99V248000 · Steering — Linkages — Rod — Relay — Connecting · NHTSA notice
Reported September 13, 1999 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 51,900 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign UL/KW · Owners notified October 5, 1999 · Vehicles built January 2, 1998 – July 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Notes
VW RECALL NO. UL/AUDI RECALL NO. KW. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 1999. 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
VW/BRAKE BOOSTER
NHTSA #99V131001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported May 21, 1999 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 88,121 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign UH/KU · Owners notified October 9, 1999 · Vehicles built October 1, 1997 – February 28, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 9, 1999.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 VW AT 1-800-822-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Audi A4 model years
Check your 1999 Audi A4 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A4 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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