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1998 Audi A8Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1998 Audi A8, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints42 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage59kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 1, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Audi A8 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags21
Equipment10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1998 Audi A8 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 22V-471 · Jul 1, 2022 · 28,624 vehicles

Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Relay: connecting

Recall 99V-248 · Sep 13, 1999 · 51,900 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other A8 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A8 median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1998 Audi A8 safety ratings

1998 Audi A8 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What A8 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 732213 · Sep 22, 2000

Own a 1998 A8?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.