VehicleVerdict

1998 Audi A6 brakes problems

The 1998 Audi A6 has 20 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

20

Brakes complaints

13%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS WHEN ON SLIPPERY SURFACES, DRIVING STRAIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS LIGHTLY PRESSED. A SINGLE BRAKE LOCKS UP, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 18, 2000 · crash

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 1998 Audi A6 have?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 1998 Audi A6 brakes — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Audi A6 brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 99V131001.

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.