Problems with 1998 Audi A4 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The anti lock brake control modulator unit failed, and now i have brakes that do not work. at the slightest pedal pressure, all 4 wheels will have a strong pulsating, giving you about 1/3 of the braking pressure that is needed. volkswagens used a nearly identical part, and their abs controller is under recall, i do not understand why nhtsa, cannot force audi of america to do the same. thank you *tr

Out of nowhere, abs light on, brake light flashing. took to shop, they stated this is a common problem for the abs module to lock out communications; 1400 + for the repair. this is an expensive car; i find it outrageous the electronic module is outside, subject to weather conditions and salt. please see my complaint on coil springs as well. researched the problem on the internet and it seems this is usual and customary for this model, i feel nhtsa needs to step up here and call audi on the table. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. the contact noticed that the abs warning lights sporadically illuminated on the instrument panel. the dealer stated that the antilock:control unit/module failed, and the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the cost would exceed $1,100 because there was no recall for that component. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 130,000.

The abs control unit on my audi a4 failed after 95,000 miles. i have no anti-lock braking and audi has denied any responsibility for the part since it is out of warranty. searching through audi forums i found this failure to be very common and everyone had no abs until the control unit was replaced which cost an average of $1500+. there were no events that lead up to the failure, i started the car one day and the abs and brake light started flashing on my dash. i tested the abs and found that it indeed does not prevent my brakes from locking up. nearly three years later, the part has not been fixed due to the high cost to repair it.

Abs/brake light just started flashing. the abs brakes are not working abs module is the cause. under hard braking or wet conditions the car slides looses traction. old part is still in car to expensive to replace right now. had car looked at by certified mechanic and they told me abs module is the problem. *nm

Abs computer out. from people i have talked to it's a frequent problem in these cars. it is quite expensive to replace. *nm

1998 manual audi a4. the temperature was 32 degrees f or below. the conditions were steady snow and wet/icy/slush roads. i experienced complete break failure when exiting the highway to a rest area. i pumped the breaks and regained some breaking power to finally slow the vehicle. i completely missed the proper exiting lane due to lack of breaking. no injuries or damage resulted. this is not the first incident of loss of breaking power. *nm

My abs light started blinking in my 1998 audi a4. i went to a mechanic and had it diagnosed; found that it was a light failure; i was told i would have to pay a lot of money to pull out the electronics and most likely not even solve the problem. later i started to notice that my abs was not engaging properly and sometimes not at all (which is now the case), i filed complaints with audi and boshe about this but they told me there could be no recall because abs is not a traffic concern. recently i was driving in the rain and making a 98 degree turn not terribly fast; there was no stop sign, and i ended up doing a 360 to a stop. i found this not only a scary experience, but one that could have been life threatening. it didn't make sense; im driving the honorable quattro. i decided to look further. i found many people have the same problem. specifically w/ models in 1998. im a fairly good driver in fact i did a defensive driving class at infineon raceway so i was still confused how i lost so much traction in such a short amount of time. i found the problem was actually part of the quattro itself. the electronic braking, traction systems, and various other vehicle dynamic systems are all dependent on the abs control module. all the test up to then showed no link to abs control unit; i was made to believe that my car just had a light failure. i started researching the control unit and i found that there is already a recall on the part but not for audi but for volkswagen! the campaign id number is 02v031000. i talked to people who were owners of volkswagens who got the recall and many of them had almost identical problems to mine. some even said the unit caught fire. so here i am told i have a light problem, then told audi cant do anything for me except get a whole new abs system at my expense. now i find the truth is one control module is responsible for the lack of control in my car as well as a possible car fire. please help: i and many others need a new unit. ...

My abs light started blinking in my 1998 audi a4. i went to a mechanic and had it diagnosed; found that it was a light failure; i was told i would have to pay a lot of money to pull out the electronics and most likely not even solve the problem. later i started to notice that my abs was not engaging properly and sometimes not at all (which is now the case), i filed complaints with audi and boshe about this but they told me there could be no recall because abs is not a traffic concern. recently i was driving in the rain and making a 98 degree turn not terribly fast; there was no stop sign, and i ended up doing a 360 to a stop. i found this not only a scary experience, but one that could have been life threatening. it didn't make sense; im driving the honorable quattro. i decided to look further. i found many people have the same problem. specifically w/ models in 1998. im a fairly good driver in fact i did a defensive driving class at infineon raceway so i was still confused how i lost so much traction in such a short amount of time. i found the problem was actually part of the quattro itself. the electronic braking, traction systems, and various other vehicle dynamic systems are all dependent on the abs control module. all the test up to then showed no link to abs control unit; i was made to believe that my car just had a light failure. i started researching the control unit and i found that there is already a recall on the part but not for audi but for volkswagen! the campaign id number is 02v031000. i talked to people who were owners of volkswagens who got the recall and many of them had almost identical problems to mine. some even said the unit caught fire. so here i am told i have a light problem, then told audi cant do anything for me except get a whole new abs system at my expense. now i find the truth is one control module is responsible for the lack of control in my car as well as a possible car fire. please help: i and many others need a new unit. ...

Failure of abs module, 1998 audi a4. *jb

Abs warning light intermittent. research uncovered the fact that the abs controller in the audi and vw passat is faulty. audi customer care has replaced the abs controller for other customers. see this discussion thread http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadid=3409&start=0&tstart=0. if this article\ad (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/abs-bosch-5-3i-abs-controller-repair_w0qqcmdzviewitemqqcategoryz111105qqitemz4601089179qqrdz1qqsspagenamezwdvw) is true and the problem is a cold solder joint then it is truly a manufacturers defect. please investigate. *jb

1. heated seat burned through the leather burning the back of my leg when on the lowest setting(1/6). 2. the cruise control works about 1% of the time and will engage unexpectedly if not turned off. *jb

Audi a4 abs malfunction. 1998 2.8 liter quattro. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. while the vehicle was parked, he notice the abs light was on and the brake light was flashing on the dashboard. the contact stated that he was a mechanic and tried to scan information from the abs modular and was unable too. he stated he was unable to repair the failure. the vehicle was purchased used september 28, 2005. the contact purchased the vehicle used with the failure. the failure mileage was 133,500 and the current mileage was 270,000.

Abs system failure. abs dash light flashes and brake light remains lit. abs system not functional. standard hydraulic brakes remain functional without abs safety feature. *jb

Dt: the contact owns a 1998 audi a4. the abs light came on and the brake light flashed intermittently while driving. the brake light has been on for the past two days. *nm

Abs control modules (bosch 5.3) on all early model 98-01 audi a4 and it's sister car the vw passat 98-01 will and do fail at some point. control module is completely inoperative most times while driving. may start working sporadically and then quit again. common problem on forums (audiworld.com). i have been a vw / audi technician for 7 years now and have seen several of these. would be nice to know that this safety feature is going to work when needed. vw / audi is aware of the problem and has just released a technical bulletin alerting that the control module may now be purchased separately from the hydraulic unit. this control module at my cost (considerable discount since i work for the company) is $1495.00. please help myself and other audi / vw owners get our cars stopping safely. *jb

The abs control unit on my audi a4 failed after only 67,000 miles. i have no anti-lock braking whatsoever, and audi has denied any responsibility for the part since it is out of warranty. searching through audi forums i found this failure to be very common and everyone had no abs until the control unit was replaced which cost an average of $1500+. there were no events that lead up to the failure, i started the car one day and the abs and brake light started flashing on my dash. i tested the abs on an icy road and found that it indeed does not prevent my brakes from locking up.*jb

1998 audi a4 2.8 quattro abs control module, part#[xxx]or n vin: [xxx]. *jb controls the anti-lock braking feature. i have encountered many other people that have had the same defect at various mileage points, even random audi a4 owners that i have met in person. it nearly caused accident on 2 occassions as brakes locked-up prematurely. part is being repaired. updated 07/09/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Abs and brake warning lights are illuminated on the dash. took it to a dealer and was told there was no communication with the abs controller. dealer wanted $2600 for parts plus $450 (3 hrs) to replace. vehicle only has 51000 miles!

Abs light comes on intermittently and abs system is not functional. abs system also used in electronic differential control. audi dealer diagnosed as a abs control unit failure with part cost of $2600 plus labor and was repaired by audi dealer. contacted audi customer care and they did not offer any assistance. this is a very real safety issue and based on internet searches has affected hundreds of audi and vw vehicles. this appears to be a faulty design of a critical safety component and warrants further investigation.

Abs light and brake light came on while driving. pulled over and checked owner's manual which indicated loss of abs, but full conventional brake power. blinking lights went off by themselves after few minutes. since the warning, i am experiencing slight resistance from brake pedal occasionally. judging by postings on audi world.com, this has happened to several people. waiting to get appointment for diagnostics and part replacement if necessary.*ak

Abs light and blinking brake light came on intermittently after 55800 miles. diagnosed as (possibly) a bad abs control module. also told it could be a bad instrument panel. cost of $2200 quoted for abs control module replacement with no guarantee that it would solve the problem. as a result abs control module not replaced reducing safety of vehicle.*ak

Abs light illuminated while driving 35 mph. vehicle was taken to the dealer, wh informed the consumer that the abs brake module needed to be replaced.*ak

1998 audi a4 2.8 quattro- my abs sensor has failed. abs light is on. *jb

The abs warning light illuminated after starting the vehicle ,and stayed on until vehicle was shut off. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

After only 65000 miles on my 1998 audi a4 i have been forced to replace major abs components because of numerous failures. the abs system works intermittently, and there is no indication of when it will fail. a brake light will come on, then go off, indicating there is trouble, but at times the light will be off and it is not until you begin to brake that you realize the abs is non-functional. audi has been very slow to repair the problem, requiring a 2 week wait just to diagnose the issue. then requiring $2300 to make a 6 year old car safe to drive.*ak

Once vehicle warms abs light comes on ,and the system is inoperable. consumer had not serviced the vehicle. *ak

I have 1998 audi a4 2.8 quatro. abs and break lights is on. word on the vw/audi tech circle is that the bosch 5.3 module is malfunctioning at a higher than normal rate. please make a recall on this part.*ak

Audi a4 quattro, 1998, 2.8l abs control module failure. abs light and blinking break light displayed on dash warning lights. carrera motors of bend, or defined the problem as no communication/faulty abs control module /n #8e0 614 111m . *ak

Abs controller is defective, cost $1000 to replace, and i have been told by independent audi mehcanic and said there are a lot of the controllers going out on my year car which is a 1998.5. *ak

Anti lock braking system failure, goes into non-antilock mode. the failure is constant, it fails everytime the car is started.*ak

Car: 1998 a4 audi avant quattro, bought new. abs controller module failed in 2004, audi should do a recall for safety reasons. no there were no deaths or injuries, is this a reason to have a recall when people die?? *nm

The abs system does not work. the abs mil would come on at random and stay on. now it is on all the time the ignition is turned on. *la

Abs control module failure and inactive, which is an intermittent problem. *la

1998 audi a4 1.8 liter quattro. experiencing reduced braking capability when brakes are wet. this is the exact complaint being investigated in nhtsa action number pe00016. the brakes work fine when dry, but effectiveness is greatly reduced when wet, and stopping distance increases significantly, causing a safety concern. *nlm

Multitude of probs. w/ almost every aspect (brakes, engine valves, oil light stays on, rain leaks, bad wheel bearings, etc.) of this car. most frustrating has been rude and incompetent service by audi dealer. after an expensive repair to the rear wheel bearings the dealer said that although not all the noise was gone, the car was safe enough to drive to calif.,(we live in nj). we did not believe the dealer because a loud grinding noise remained and took it to another shop where both front control arms were found to be damaged. we were advised not to drive the car as it was not safe to do so . *ak

Car experiences diminished braking abilities under wet/cold conditions. if roads are wet, even if above freezing conditions, braking suddenly to avoid other traffic results in near crashes or dangerous swerving to avoid accident. this is not due to poor road conditions but directly related to the audi's braking abilities in wet conditions. very dangerous and unpredictable. have recently traded in vehicle and incurred large financial loss due to this and other serious problems. *jb

I have had many close calls in rainy weather when trying to stop in my 1998 audi a4 1.8t quattro. in dry weather braking is fine. this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. i am more than certain i would have hit someone if i would not keep a greater distance knowing the horrible braking performance in wet weather.*jb

Consumer stated that when braking and without warning they will have bad brake performance during rainy weather causing the vehicle to have extend stopping distance. dealer notified. ts

Malfunctioning of housing for brakes and clutch caused brake failure which resulted in a vehicle crash. driver received severe injuries. *jb

Car always has a delayed response when applying brakes when they are wet.*ak

Braking is delayed 3-4 seconds in rain and or snow conditions. additional pressure is required to stop vehicle. *ak

Cruise control inoperative.during high speed braking car shimmies and hops. problem began after serviced by audi as per audi brake recall. in the last 12 months my audi has spent 2 months at the dealership for repairs. this vehicle is a lemon.*ak

Brakes do not resond for a couple of seconds when driving at highway speeds in wet road conditions

While backing out of driveway there were no brakes. vehicle was towed to automobile shop, and mechanic verified that wheel itself rubbed brake line every time vehicle was turned to left, wearing a hole in line, and causing brake failure. *ak

During rainy weather the brakes have a very pronounced delay from application to engagement due to wet rotors, the delay is between 1 and 2 seconds. this is not an intermittent problem, it happens whenever it rains at a moderate to heavy amount. *ak

Car quit running. would not restart. brakes squeek and grind revealing excessive and premature wear.

I continue to have problems with the brake system on this auto, even on dry surfaces. it appears that the problem is a misaligned interface between the all-wheel drive (quattro) system and the abs. the problem is one of software, not hardware, and audi needs to replace the appropriate chip.*ak

Bolt for cruise control servo fell out resulting in servo becoming wedged in engine area and causing sudden acceleration of the vehicle on highway. yh