1998 Audi A4

Overview The 1998 Audi A4 is a compact luxury sedan that offers a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 1.8T engine produces 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.8L V6 produces 190 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Engine 1.8T

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, blue smoke from exhaust, whining noise
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.8L V6

• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leak
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission Five-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Five-Speed Tiptronic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Lower control arm bushings worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, difficult steering
  • Solution: Replace lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut mounts worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or rattling noise from front suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light illuminated, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting vehicle, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Door lock actuators fail
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking doors
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 1998 Audi A4 is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the more common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, turbocharger failure, and transmission slipping. The severity of these issues varies, but the costs to repair them can be significant. It is important to factor in the potential costs of these repairs when considering the purchase of a used A4.