1998-1999 Audi A4 / A6 Stuck-Open Throttle Investigation
NHTSA concluded its investigation (EA04017) into reports of stuck-open throttles in certain 1998-1999 Audi A4 and A6 vehicles. While a recall (04V-495) was issued for approximately 28,300 A6 vehicles, the failure rate for A4 models was significantly lower. Owners should still be aware of potential…
S'applique également à
- Audi A4
- 1999
- Audi A6
- 1998–1999
NHTSA's Findings So Far
NHTSA initiated an investigation, identified as EA04017, into reports of stuck-open throttles primarily affecting 1998-1999 Audi A4 and A6 vehicles, as well as VW Passat models. This issue was linked to throttle icing incidents, particularly in cold weather states. The investigation revealed varying rates of occurrence across the different models.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation focused on the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM component, specifically the STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE condition. It covered model year 1998-1999 Audi A4 and A6 vehicles, along with VW Passat models. Approximately 28,300 model year 1998-1999 Audi A6 vehicles in cold weather states, which experienced the highest rate of throttle icing, were subject to a separate recall (NHTSA ID 04V-495).
Status of the Investigation
NHTSA has officially closed the EA04017 investigation. The agency determined that the failure rate in the Audi A4 and VW Passat vehicles was significantly lower compared to the recalled Audi A6 vehicles. Despite the closure, NHTSA continues to monitor the performance of the A4 and Passat models.
What it Could Mean for Owners
For owners of the affected vehicles, particularly those not covered by the Audi A6 recall (04V-495), it's important to understand the implications of this investigation's closure. The agency explicitly stated that the closing of the 1998 Audi A4 investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists for the Audi A4 or VW Passat vehicles. The Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by a change in circumstances. Therefore, owners of 1998 Audi A4 vehicles should remain vigilant for any symptoms related to a stuck-open throttle or issues with the fuel injection system.
Important Warnings
NHTSA has stated: "The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists for the Audi A4 or VW Passat vehicles. The Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by a change in circumstances."
Source: NHTSA ID EA04017
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 1998 model year
258 complaints, the 2nd most of 31 model years on file. Owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires and 11 injuries for this year, which also has 6 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 1998 model year
- 22V471000 — Air Bags (Jul 2022)
- 06E060000 — Exterior Lighting (Jun 2006)
- 06E049000 — Exterior Lighting (May 2006)
Recent owner reports
Recall 69bt was not accomplished at McDaniels Audi of Charleston dealer. They indicated they had replaced airbag with 8D0898201A kit.
Read owner complaints →The contact owned a 1998 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH with his 12-year-old son sitting in the passenger seat, he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated.
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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