The 1998 Audi A6 has 11 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: electrical shorts in the headlight switch wiring can ignite the dashboard, and fuel leaks at the filler neck or from the Quattro fuel vapor system can catch fire near an ignition source.
The headlight wiring issue takes a few forms: the driver's knee bolster can press the wiring harness into a short, connector pins inside the switch can touch and overheat, and a loose plastic cover can let the harness arc against a metal crossmember. Vehicles with xenon headlights are not affected by the connector pin issue. Two throttle recalls affect the 2.8L V6 automatic only: in extreme cold, ice can lock the throttle open so the engine does not slow when the driver lifts off the accelerator. On the steering side, tie rod seals that fail to keep out moisture let the swivel bearing wear down until the steering feels loose and control suffers. The driver airbag inflator may not deploy with enough force in a crash to protect the occupant. On Quattro models, sulfur deposits on the in-tank sending units can cause the fuel gauge to read full incorrectly.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver air bag inflators may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing issue, potentially causing the air bag to deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator at no cost when parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A plastic cover on the driver's side support crossmember may not be securely installed, allowing the headlight switch wiring to contact the crossmember and short out, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
No remedy information is available at this time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Connector pins in the headlight switch can touch each other and create a short circuit in vehicles with halogen low beam headlights.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a jumper wiring harness to reroute the wiring and prevent the pins from contacting each other.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extremely cold temperatures, ice can accumulate in the throttle body, causing the throttle to freeze in the open position while driving.
What the fix does
Audi will install a replacement throttle body kit at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Ice buildup in the throttle body can prevent the throttle from returning to idle during extended driving in temperatures of -15°C or below, causing the vehicle to maintain speed when you expect it to slow down.
What the fix does
The throttle body assembly will be replaced with a new unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver's knees can push the knee bolster under the dashboard into the headlight switch wiring, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will add protective covering to the knee bolster and check the wiring harness and dashboard felt protector, replacing them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left driver's side crash element may contact the headlight switch wiring harness, potentially causing an electrical short that could result in a fire in the left dashboard area.
What the fix does
Dealer installs a protective covering on the crash element and inspects the wiring harness for damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Sulphur from fuel can build up on electrical contacts inside the fuel tank's sending units, causing them to incorrectly signal the tank is full when it may be low or empty.
What the fix does
The fuel sending units will be replaced with redesigned units that prevent sulphur buildup.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seals on the steering tie rods don't seal properly. Moisture and dust can enter the swivel bearing, causing it to wear over time. This makes steering feel loose and reduces steering control.
What the fix does
The tie rods will be replaced with new ones that seal properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the engine runs during refueling shortly after startup, fuel vapor pressure can build up in the recovery system. This pressure may cause fuel to spray out when you remove the pump nozzle after filling the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a refueling instruction label inside the fuel door and move the tire pressure label to the right rear fender well. An updated manual page will be provided.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incorrect filler neck was installed during fuel tank assembly, causing it not to fit properly with the fuel cap.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the filler neck with the correct part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
