1999 Audi Quattro problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.7 times the median Quattro year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 20 Quattro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (6), electrical system (5), and steering (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
34
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Quattro years?
What are the most common 1999 Audi Quattro problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE HAND BRAKE, IF ENGAGED IN THE FIRST OR SECOND NOTCH, FAILS ABOUT THREE HOURS AFTER HAVING SUCESSFULLY IMMOBILIZED THE CAR. ON A STANDARD DRIVEWAY, THE CAR ROLLS BACK THE LENGTH OF THE DRIVE WAY AND GATHERS ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GO ABOUT 6-9 FEET BEYOND THE CURB. THIS COULD HAVE FATAL CONSEQUENCES.…”
“BATTERY EXPLODED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. ON 23 MARCH, 2002 WHILE STARTING VEHICLE BATTERY EXPLODED AGAIN.*AK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. FAULTY COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. BELT NOISE AT STARTUP. OIL LEAK CONTINUOUSLY. ROUGH IDLE. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ON. BRAKE PADS HAD TO…”
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIE ROD. THE IS A RECALL ON THAT PART FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *PH”
“POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WITH FUEL SENDING UNIT. EXPERIENCED 7 RECALLS SINCE THE PURCHASED OF 1999 AUDI QUATTRO. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PERIODICALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD START, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO CARBON BUILD…”
“POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WITH FUEL SENDING UNIT. EXPERIENCED 7 RECALLS SINCE THE PURCHASED OF 1999 AUDI QUATTRO. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PERIODICALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD START, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO CARBON BUILD…”
1999 Audi Quattro — common questions
Is the 1999 Audi Quattro reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 20 Quattro years. It is one of the Quattro years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Quattro problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), steering (4 complaints).
Does the 1999 Audi Quattro have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Audi Quattro.
Which Audi Quattro years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Quattro years to avoid are 1999. The cleanest record among Quattro years belongs to 1989.
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.