1997-1999 Audi A4 Power Brake Booster Vacuum Bypass Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted investigation RQ99008 into the 1997-1999 Audi A4 regarding potential issues with the power brake booster vacuum bypass. This investigation ultimately resulted in a recall to address the safety concern.

Gilt auch für
- Audi A4
- 1997–1998
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated investigation RQ99008 concerning the power brake booster vacuum bypass system in certain 1997-1999 Audi A4 vehicles. This inquiry, known as a Recall Query (RQ), aimed to determine the scope and severity of potential issues with the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC component.
NHTSA's Findings So Far
The NHTSA investigation RQ99008 concluded that a safety-related defect existed. The status of this investigation indicates that it led directly to a recall. This means that the concerns identified during the 1999 Audi A4 investigation were significant enough to warrant corrective action by the manufacturer.
Scope
This investigation specifically focused on the power brake booster vacuum bypass in 1997, 1998, and 1999 Audi A4 models. The component under scrutiny was the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC system, particularly how the vacuum bypass affected its operation. The findings from this 1999 Audi A4 investigation impacted these specific model years.
Status
Investigation RQ99008 was classified as a Recall Query (RQ). This type of investigation is typically opened when there is evidence suggesting a potential safety defect that may require a recall. In this case, the investigation's status confirms that it resulted in a recall being issued for the affected vehicles.
What It Could Mean for Owners
Owners of 1997-1999 Audi A4 vehicles should be aware that this investigation led to a recall. It is crucial to check if your specific vehicle has any open recalls related to the power brake booster vacuum bypass or the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC system. You can typically do this by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or contacting an authorized Audi dealership.
Source: NHTSA RQ99008
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is NHTSA investigation RQ99008 about?
- NHTSA investigation RQ99008 focused on potential issues with the power brake booster vacuum bypass system in 1997-1999 Audi A4 vehicles, which ultimately led to a recall.
- Which Audi A4 models are affected by the power brake booster vacuum bypass issue?
- The investigation and subsequent recall apply to 1997, 1998, and 1999 Audi A4 models concerning the power brake booster vacuum bypass component.
- How can I check if my Audi A4 is part of this recall?
- You should check for open recalls by entering your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website or contacting an authorized Audi dealership to see if your 1997-1999 Audi A4 is affected by the recall stemming from investigation RQ99008.
What Audi A4 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 31 model years.
- 3,022
- Owner complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 3,248
- Service bulletins
- 115
- Crashes reported
- 51
- Fires reported
- 80
- Injuries reported
The 1999 model year
190 complaints, the 7th most of 31 model years on file. Owners reported 9 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Complaints by model year
| 1998 | 258 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 190 | |
| 2002 | 181 | |
| 2003 | 210 | |
| 2004 | 189 | |
| 2005 | 219 | |
| 2006 | 298 | |
| 2007 | 219 | |
| 2008 | 191 | |
| 2009 | 144 |
Most-reported systems
- Air Bags — 577
- Electrical System — 474
- Exterior Lighting — 369
- Service Brakes — 360
- Hydraulic — 307
Latest recalls for the 1999 model year
- 20V056000 — Air Bags (Jan 2020)
- 14E007000 — Engine And Engine Cooling (Mar 2014)
- 06E060000 — Exterior Lighting (Jun 2006)
Recent owner reports
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the contact was unaware of the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired.
Read owner complaints →As i was opening the hood of the car to fill up the window washer, the hood did not stay up as usual. It started to close and it hit my head on the way down. I am wondering if there have been other reports of the same incident.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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