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1998-1999 Audi A6 and A8 Steering Tie Rod Recall

Audi has issued a recall (NHTSA ID: 99V248000) for 1998-1999 A6 and A8 models concerning steering tie rod seals. Improperly sealed tie rods can allow moisture and dust to enter, causing wear and potentially diminishing steering control. Owners should contact their dealer for a free tie rod…

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary1999 Audi A6
1999 Audi A6 — 1999 Audi A6 recall
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
99V248000VW RECALL NO. ULAUDI RECALL NO. KWSTEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTINGtie rod sealsdiminished steering controlAudi A6 steering recallAudi A8 steering recall1999 Audi A6 recall1998 Audi A6 recall
Audi A6
1998
Audi A8
1998–1999

Why This Matters

Audi has identified a safety concern with the steering assembly tie rods in certain 1998-1999 A6 and A8 vehicles. The tie rods are crucial components for steering control, and their seals are designed to protect the internal swivel bearing mechanism from moisture and dust.

If these seals do not function correctly, contaminants can enter the mechanism. This can lead to premature wear of the swivel bearing, which could diminish the vehicle's steering control over time. Such a condition increases the risk of an accident.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, identified as NHTSA ID 99V248000 (VW RECALL NO. UL / AUDI RECALL NO. KW), addresses the tie rods of the steering assembly. Specifically, the issue lies with tie rod seals that may not seal properly.

These seals are intended to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. The affected component is listed as "STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING."

Manufacturer's Remedy

To resolve this safety concern, authorized Audi dealers will replace the entire tie rods on affected vehicles. This repair will be performed at no cost to the owner.

Owner notification for this recall began on October 5, 1999. If you own a 1999 Audi A6 recall-affected vehicle, you should have received a notification from Audi.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

This recall applies to specific 1998-1999 Audi A6 and A8 passenger vehicles. Owners can typically check if their vehicle is part of a recall by contacting an authorized Audi dealer with their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Important Owner Information

Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed-upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Additionally, you can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) for further assistance or to report any issues related to this 1999 Audi A6 recall.


Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 99V248000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the issue with the 1998-1999 Audi A6 and A8 steering tie rods?
The recall addresses tie rod seals in the steering assembly that may not seal properly. This can allow moisture and dust to enter the swivel bearing mechanism, leading to wear and potentially diminishing steering control.
Is there a recall for the 1999 Audi A6 recall regarding its steering?
Yes, there is a recall (NHTSA ID: 99V248000) for the 1999 Audi A6, as well as the 1998 Audi A6 and 1998-1999 Audi A8 models, concerning faulty steering tie rod seals.
How will Audi fix the steering tie rod problem?
Audi dealers will replace the affected tie rods free of charge. Owners who have not yet had this repair done should contact their local Audi dealership.
What are the recall numbers for this steering issue?
The recall is identified by NHTSA ID 99V248000. It is also known as VW RECALL NO. UL and AUDI RECALL NO. KW.

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 1999 model year

217 complaints, the 1st most of 33 model years on file. Owners reported 12 crashes, 23 fires and 15 injuries for this year, which also has 9 recalls on file.

Steering, the system this article covers, accounts for 113 of 1,665 complaints (7%), including 19 for 1999.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Audi A6
1998130
1999217
2000148
2001113
200288
200366
200591
200667
200871
2019114

Most-reported systems

  1. Electrical System — 396
  2. Air Bags — 316
  3. Service Brakes — 161
  4. Fuel System — 150
  5. Engine — 130

Latest recalls for the 1999 model year

  • 20V056000 — Air Bags (Jan 2020)
  • 06V198000 — Electrical System (Jun 2006)
  • 04V495000 — Vehicle Speed Control (Oct 2004)
All 1999 recalls →

Recent owner reports about steering

My 1999 audi a6 avant's heated steering wheel would overheat to the point i could not touch it. It caused the ignition swith's wires to melt and i had to have the ignition switch replaced by audi and the heated wheel deactivated.

1999 Audi A6 owner, Jul 2006

Dt: consumer stated found recalls 99v248000 and 00v414000 for tie rods. Consumer contacted audi, and they stated there were no such recalls. Also stated there could be recalls, but they could be in dispute between nhtsa and audi.

1999 Audi A6 owner, Aug 2005
Read owner complaints →

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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