3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,875 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Audi A4 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Audi A4 Owner Comments

problem #12

Dec 072006

A4 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated the vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition. The contact further stated the failure caused the starter to short out and burn up. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who replaced the starter and the ignition switch. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06V403000, regarding the ignition switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #11

Aug 302004

A4 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • 56,000 miles
Ignition switch was defective. Currently manufacturer recalled vehicles with the same exact problem. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

- Portola Valley, CA, USA

problem #10

Jan 052002

A4 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Turning of the ignition key - the key does not return to its neutral position thereby not activating key essential electrical driving components such as lights and wipers, etc.

- Deaborn, MI, USA

problem #9

Apr 212004

A4 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had a recent discussion with Audi customer service, file #40182122. This is regarding a defect in my model year 1998 Audi A4 2.8. or Audi A4 2.8 manufactured July of 1997. I researched the web and saw hundreds of similar complaints regarding the ignition switch. My ignition switch got stuck in both the run and later start position. The car would not turn off. Also it caused the climate control not to function properly by not turning on, the screen was black. Upon researching this problem, I saw many other 1998 Audi owners with the same problem. Even more similiar with the fact that we had a 1998 model year car that was manufactured in 1997. The recall campaign # le (00V-317) is a little ambigous stating model years and manufacture dates. My car falls within the manufacture date but not the recall date. It is obvious to any prudent and reasonable person that cars manufactured prior to August of 1997 even though they are model year 1998 have the same problem. I saw some respones to other owners regarding this situation and a resolvement in the matter with Audi including us poor owners who bought a car in the switch of model years. I would like to know how I can resolve this matter as well. How can my car get included in this recall. Please let me know how to proceed. My car is currently being repaire at tom williams Audi in birmingham, al (205) 397-2700.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #8

Mar 032004

(reported on)

A4

  • Manual transmission
  • 68,000 miles
Upon starting vehicle the ignition gets stuck in the crank position. Whenever this happens windshield wipers stop working. Vehicle had not been repaired because the vehicle was not on recall 00V317000.

- Moorestown, NJ, USA

problem #7

Jul 012001

A4 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
Ignition switch fails to return to run from start after starting car. If the the key is not returned from start manually, the accessories (I.e windows, lights, radio, fan, etc) will not run and the starter will contiue to run potentiating the failure of that part. Recall notice #00V31700 covers model year 1997 for cars manufactured through 8/97. My car was manufactured 8/97 but is model year 1998. Audi used the model year limitation to deny repairng the faulty part and should include all cars manufactured within the time frame.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #6

Jan 062003

A4 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 63,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The problem: Ignition switch return spring there is a problem with my ignition switch. After staring the engine, the return spring does not fully return the key to the run position, causing a malfunction of the headlights and climate control. I have found a recall notice (NHTSA campaign id no. 97V115000) describing this exact problem for Audi A4 vehicles which affects vehicles manufactured between 10/1995 and 8/1997 (my vehicle was built within this time period, on Aug 13th, 1997). I reported this information to Audi customer assurance and they refused to perform the recall because the recall notice does not specify "model year 1998". please consider expanding the existing recall to cover 1998 vehicles. Comment: Obviously, containment of the faulty ignition switch was not limited to 1997 vehicles (note- the problem was not called to their attention until Oct 24, 2000. How can containment happen effectively long after the vehicles are delivered to customers?). Audi has not contained the faulty switch to the vehicles specified in the recall.

- Canton, MI, USA

problem #5

Jun 252002

A4 4WD

  • miles
My car was made in March 1997, if it is not on recall, why it has an ignition switch # 4A0-905849 which is defective instead of #4B0-905849 wich requires a different switch housing. I can send you a picture of an original broken switch if you give me an email address.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #4

Jul 212002

A4 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer states that the ignition switch on the vehicle has gone out, when the consumer tried to start the vehicle, it would not start up causing the starter switch to burn out. Consumer contacted the manufacturer and was informed there were no recalls on vehicle relating to ignition switch.

- Locust Valley, NY, USA

problem #3

Aug 212001

A4 4WD

  • miles
Audi currently has recall for defective ignition switch/spring part on 96-97 model year A4's. suspect early 98 models have same defective part. Problem is car accessories will not function such as lights, A/C, etc, and engine will sometimes "shuff off" while driving. I have been in contact with other early 98 owners who have experienced same problem and have had the iginition switch replaced.. repair cost was over $300. Would like to have Audi request recall of 98 models and provide refund to owners who have already paid for this repair and replacement.

- Vineland, NJ, USA

problem #2

Jul 012001

(reported on)

A4 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states ignition switch housing is defective, the return spring force is insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine, consumer states this causes electrical accessories such as the windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative, dealership has replaced ignition switch.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #1

Nov 012000

A4 4WD

  • miles
When ignition turned on a steady loud clicking sound from engine compartment begins. Engine wll start but only after excessive cranking.

- Indio, CA, USA

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