The 1998 Audi A4 has two recalls, the more serious being a driver airbag inflator that can explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially injuring the driver or other occupants.
The inflator can also underinflate instead, leaving the driver without adequate cushioning in a crash. The second recall involves the air intake system: during a cold-start engine backfire, a loosely seated screen inside the air flow meter can break apart and send debris into the intake, where it may jam the throttle plate open and prevent the engine from returning to idle.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator can absorb moisture due to a manufacturing defect, which may cause it to explode or the air bag to not fully inflate during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with a different design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
During cold engine start, a backfire can damage a loosely seated air screen in the flow meter. Broken screen pieces may enter the intake system and prevent the throttle plate from fully closing to idle.
What the fix does
A retaining ring will be installed to secure the screen, and any damaged screens will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
