1999 Audi A4
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 91 of 190 complaints (48%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 258 in 1998 to 190 in 1999.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,100 | 3,350–4,100 | 3,250–4,100 | 3,250–4,300 | 3,350–4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 19–23 | 19–24 | 18–24 | 18–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–18 / 24–27 | 16–20 / 25–29 | 16–20 / 25–29 | 15–21 / 22–29 | 15–20 / 22–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 386–468 | 370–468 | 370–494 | 386–494 | |
| Complaints filed | 98 | 258 | 190 | 96 | 131 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A4 have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Audi A4?
Brakes: 91 of 190 NHTSA complaints (48%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Audi A4 get?
EPA rates it 19–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Audi A4?
EPA estimates $3,250–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,250 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 12 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 91 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 20V056000 · Jan 31, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14E007000 · Mar 12, 2014
Defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E049000 · Jun 5, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING · Campaign 00V414000 · Dec 12, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 99V131001 · Jan 21, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING · Campaign 99V248000 · Sep 28, 1999
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.