1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Audi A8 has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 1998-1999 A8 Takata NADI Driver-Airbag Inflator Recall 69BT (20V056/22V471). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Audi A8 has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: 1998-1999 A8 Takata NADI Driver-Airbag Inflator Recall 69BT (20V056/22V471). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1998 Audi A8 has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 1998-1999 A8 Takata NADI Driver-Airbag Inflator Recall 69BT (20V056/22V471). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Certain 1998-1999 Audi A8 vehicles may contain a Takata non-azide driver inflator that can absorb moisture and deploy improperly. NHTSA 20V056 originally listed the 1999 A8 branch, Audi 69BT campaign material lists 1998-1999 A8 vehicles, and NHTSA 22V471 corrects the filing to ad… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
