1998 Audi A8
WAUZZZ4DZWN002185
Vehicle record for the 1998 Audi A8 (VIN WAUZZZ4DZWN002185). Black, sedan, diesel. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WAUZZZ4DZWN002185, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Audi A8.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Audi A8.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1998 Audi A8 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Audi A8 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Audi A8 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
STEERING WHEEL HEATER OVERHEATS Closed
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON FOUR ODI COMPLAINTS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OVERHEATS. VW HAS SHOWN THAT MOISTURE AND PRESPIRATION PERMEATE THE STEERING WHEEL COVER CAUSING THE HEATING ELEMENT TO CORRODE. THIS CORROSION MAY CAUSE A SMALL, LOCALIZED AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO EXPERIENCE A BRIEF DURATION OF OVERHEATING. THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL SUSTAINING COMBUSTION. THE INVESTIGATION HAS FOUND NO OCCU…
NHTSA #PE03019 · Steering · opened May 2003 · closed Sep 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 61
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 61.
This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
Bulletin AWC 19-05 · Electrical System, Equipment · Aug 2019This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 T…
Bulletin AWC 19-04 · Equipment · Jul 2019This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
Bulletin A941791 2012749- · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2017This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
Bulletin SM 44-2017 EN · Equipment · Jun 2017This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
Bulletin A171782 2010043- · Engine · May 2017Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based supplie…
Bulletin ATE-17-05 · Equipment · Mar 2017This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
Bulletin A441662 2010334- · Wheels · Oct 2016Vehicle will not communicate with diagnostic scan tool or emissions test equipment. Customers may have issues with vehicle passing state IM emissions test programs because the scan tool cannot communicate with the vehicle. ABS and/or brake lamp(s) will be illu…
Bulletin A451510 2042048- · Power Train · Oct 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been i…
Bulletin A191562 2025303- · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been…
Bulletin A1915612025303-5 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2015Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the A8. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Audi A8. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. There may be a significant delay before replace…
Transport Canada #2020032 · Jan 2020Other
On certain vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, a 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 key is not in the ignition. This could allow the vehicle to roll and strike a person , object or vehicle without warning, causing personal injury. Correction: Dea…
Transport Canada #2008274 · Aug 2008Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing may wear over time to a point where the steering begins to feel "loose" and could diminish the steering control of the vehicle with the potential for a vehicle crash. Correction: Tie rods will be replaced on affe…
Transport Canada #1999195 · Oct 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and currently in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with either front- or permanent all-wheel drive and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed w…
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this reca
NHTSA Campaign #22V471000 · manufacturer #69BT · 01/07/2022POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLKSWAGEN 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
NHTSA Campaign #08V397000 · manufacturer #37D5/J2 · 14/08/2008STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
NHTSA Campaign #99V248000 · manufacturer #UL/KW · 13/09/1999Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Audi A8, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 7
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Audi A8.
EQUIPMENT
TIRE JACK SUPPLIED BY AUDI USA FOR THE AUDI A8 IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT IS MANUFACTURED OUT OF CHEAP ALUMINUM AND IS NOT RUGGED ENOUGH TO LIFT THE CAR EVEN ON FLAT PAVEMENT. THE JACK BENT UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO HURT SOMEONE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10173004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AUDI ENGINES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR SLUDGE PROBLEMS. ALTHOUGH AUDI RECOGNIZES THIS PROBLEM ON THEIR 4 CYL TURBO ENGINES, THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM ON THE 6 CLY ENGINE. MY ENGINE, WITH 71,000, HAS A SEVERE ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM, WHICH HAS CAUSE ALL THE SEALS TO LEAK. AUDI DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, AND WON'T ASSIST. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10154820SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROLLER WITH LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED BY A LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP. AUDI WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FOR LATE MODEL AUDI'S AND VW'S AND NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE FREQUENCY OF FAILURE AND REQUIRE A RECALL. THE INCIDENT DATE IS APPOXIMATE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10104906AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATES AIRBAG FAILURE. AUDI DEALER CANNOT RECTIFY.
NHTSA ODI #10003543FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE FILLING THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE SPRAYS OUT OF THE TANK, UNDER PRESSURE, AND GETS ALL OVER THE PERSON FILLING THE CAR, ALL OVER THE CAR, AND ALL OVER THE GROUND. ONCE THE SPRAYING STARTS IT DOES NOT STOP UNTIL ALL PRESSURE IN THE TANK HAS VENTED. WHEN THIS OCCURS IS UNPREDCTABLE. AUDI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS CHOSEN TO BLAME THE CONSUMER FOR N…
NHTSA ODI #736732AIR BAGS
SINGLE OCCUPANT IN VEHICLE (DRIVER) VEHICLE WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD AND ENTERED A DITCH ABOUT THREE-FOUR FEET DEEP. PASSENGER'S AIR BAG, FRONT, FIRED. THE AUDI A8 CLEARLY STATES IN THE SALES LITERATURE THAT THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG IS INTERLOCKED OUT WHEN NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT AND THERE WERE NO PARCELS, SHOPPING BAGS, AN…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #732213VISIBILITY
BLIND SPOTS, REAR VISIBILITY: AUDI'S REFUSAL TO REPLACE OUTSIDE MIRRORS. THE PASSENGER'S OUTSIDE MIRROR AN DRIVERS POORLY DESIGNED AND HAVE TREMENDOUS BLIND SPOTS. DRIVING A $70K WITH MIRROR ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT PROVIDE SAFE REAR VISION MONITORING IS OUTRAGEOUS AND DANGEROUS. POOR REAR VISION RESULTS FROM EXCESSIVELY WIDE C PILLARS, REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS TH…
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