1998 Audi A6 Cooling System Recall
A recall for the 1998 Audi A6 addresses a potential issue where an engine backfire during a cold-start could damage an air screen in the air flow meter. This damage might lead to pieces entering the intake system, preventing the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

Why This Matters
This 1998 Audi A6 recall is crucial because if the air screen within the air flow meter becomes damaged, pieces could enter the intake air flow system. This can prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position, potentially affecting vehicle performance and control.
What's Being Recalled
The recall specifically targets the air screen located within the air flow meter of affected vehicles. The issue arises if the engine backfires during a cold-start, which can cause this loosely seated air screen to become damaged.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
This recall applies to certain 1998 Audi A6 passenger vehicles. Owners of a 1998 Audi A6 should contact their authorized Audi dealer or Volkswagen of America to determine if their specific vehicle is included in this safety campaign. The NHTSA ID for this recall is 98V134000.
Manufacturer's Remedy
To resolve this issue, authorized dealers will install a retaining ring. This ring is designed to securely hold the air screen in place within the air flow meter, preventing it from becoming damaged or dislodged during an engine backfire. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner.
Important Owner Information
Owner notification for this 1998 Audi A6 recall began during August 1998. If you own an affected vehicle and have not yet received the free remedy within a reasonable timeframe after taking your vehicle to an authorized dealer, you should contact Volkswagen of America (VWOA) at 1-800-822-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 98V134000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific problem addressed by the 1998 Audi A6 recall?
- The recall addresses a problem where an engine backfire during a cold-start can damage an air screen in the air flow meter. This damage can lead to screen pieces entering the intake system, which may prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
- How will Audi fix the issue for the 1998 Audi A6 recall?
- Audi dealers will install a retaining ring to secure the air screen in the air flow meter. This will prevent the screen from becoming damaged or dislodged, ensuring the throttle plate operates correctly. The repair will be performed at no cost to the owner.
- What should I do if I own a 1998 Audi A6 and haven't had this recall addressed?
- If you own a 1998 Audi A6, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer to schedule the recall repair. If you have concerns or have not received the free remedy in a timely manner, you can contact Volkswagen of America or Audi customer service, or the NHTSA hotline, referencing recall ID 98V134000.
What Audi A6 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 33 model years.
- 1,665
- Owner complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 5,316
- Service bulletins
- 64
- Crashes reported
- 71
- Fires reported
- 65
- Injuries reported
The 1998 model year
130 complaints, the 3rd most of 33 model years on file. Owners reported 6 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.
Engine And Engine Cooling, the system this article covers, accounts for 113 of 1,665 complaints (7%), including 6 for 1998.
Complaints by model year
| 1998 | 130 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 217 | |
| 2000 | 148 | |
| 2001 | 113 | |
| 2002 | 88 | |
| 2003 | 66 | |
| 2005 | 91 | |
| 2006 | 67 | |
| 2008 | 71 | |
| 2019 | 114 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 396
- Air Bags — 316
- Service Brakes — 161
- Fuel System — 150
- Engine — 130
Latest recalls for the 1998 model year
- 20V056000 — Air Bags (Jan 2020)
- 06V198000 — Electrical System (Jun 2006)
- 04V495000 — Vehicle Speed Control (Oct 2004)
Recent owner reports about engine and engine cooling
98 a6 quattro, leaks oil, the car's been in the shop 4 times for this issue(in 2 years time frame), the lower pan gasket has been replaced twice as well as the oil cap.
Read owner complaints →Lower and upper gaskets are leaking. These leaks drop on hot parts of the engine and create smoke fume. I had the lower gasket replaced for about $500. I know that similar services are done 2 more times in the history of this car for the exact problem.
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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