1998 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
7 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 A8?The 1998 Audi A8 has 7 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and equipment.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 7 complaints, the 1998 A8 sits about the same as the model's median of 8.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 A8
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 08V397000VOLKSWAGEN 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.
steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Campaign 99V248000VEHICLE 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 22V471000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. See the full A8 owner picture and every model year.
Other A8 model years
Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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