VehicleVerdict

1999 Audi A4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 242 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median A4 year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 30 A4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (102 of 242), far ahead of engine at 29.

242

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

5

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other A4 years?

See all A4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Audi A4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes10242%
Engine2912%
Speed Control177%
Steering156%
Electrical System146%
Transmission125%
Airbags94%
Tires & Wheels83%
Suspension83%
Lighting62%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Fuel System52%
Body & Structure42%
Other31%
Latches & Locks31%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1999 Audi A4 have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V056000AirbagsJanuary 31, 2020 · 106,857 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

14E007000EngineMarch 7, 2014 · 50 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

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.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

00V414000SteeringDecember 6, 2000 · 83,000 units

Defect

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.

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

99V248000SteeringSeptember 13, 1999 · 51,900 units

Defect

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.

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

99V131001BrakesMay 21, 1999 · 88,121 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE CAR IS A 5 SPEED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS BELOW THE CENTER ARM REST WHICH CAN BE ADJUSTED TO DIFFERENT HEIGHTS. WHEN THE ARM REST IS IN A LOWER SETTING, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CANNOT BE PULLED UP HIGH ENOUGH TO KEEP THE CAR FROM MOVING. AFTER PARKING THE CAR, WHEN THE BRAKES COOLED, THE CAR ROLLED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 15, 1999 · crash

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE A FIRE BROKE OUT INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2004 · fire

WHILE BACKING INTO A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKES WERE CONTINUOUSLY BEING APPLIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND, RESULTING IN VEHICLE HITTING A TRUCK. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 18, 1998 · crash

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT A POLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, BUT CONSUMER FELT THAT RECALL ON TIE ROD COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ACCIDENT.*AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 2, 2001 · crash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. NO FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 9, 2010 · fire

1999 Audi A4 — common questions

Is the 1999 Audi A4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 242 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 30 A4 years. It is one of the A4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 A4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (102 complaints), engine (29 complaints), speed control (17 complaints).

Does the 1999 Audi A4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Audi A4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Audi A4 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A4 years to avoid are 2006, 1998, 2003, 2005, 1999, 2020, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2008, 2001, 2009. The cleanest record among A4 years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.