RoadVitals

1999 Audi A6 Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Apr 9, 2019
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
7%
of 217 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1999 Audi A6 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalSteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 9, 2019

TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I FIXED THE TURN SIGNAL AND CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THOSE RETURNED AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE UNDER COVER/PROTECTOR PLASTIC BROKE OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD BECAUSE THE AUDI DEALERSHIP APPARENTLY FORGOT TO PUT IT BACK ON PROPERLY. THIS POSSIBLY ALLOWED FOR THE OIL PAN TO HIT THE GROUND AND CRACK, WHICH A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY PART OF THAT PROBLEM TOO. I TOOK IT IN TO SEE ABOUT A CRACK IN THE OIL PAN. THEY COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I DROVE TO THE MOVIE STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. A PUDDLE OF OIL WAS SPILLING OUT OF IT, AND THE THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. I HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I'M GUESSING THAT THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE WHAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR.

NHTSA ID
11194856
Incident
Jan 20, 2016
Mileage
180,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 8, 2012

AUDI CLAIMS THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER NEVER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, THIS IS NOT ONLY INCORRECT, BUT THIS ALSO CAUSES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON A REGULAR BASIS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE TOLD TO THE CUSTOMER FOR IT IS A LIE JUST SO THE CUSTOMER HAS CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHILE AUDI RACKS IN THE MONEY. IT IS A SCAM AND IT SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM POTENTIAL AND EXISTING AUDI CUSTOMERS. NO OIL WAS EVER MADE NOT TO BREAK DOWN AND NOT EVER BE CHANGED. A NEW AUDI OWNER USUALLY LISTENS TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THEIR CARS, AND USUALLY DON'T CHANGE THE FLUIDS OR FILTERS, HENCE TRANSMISSION BREAK DOWNS AND EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. SCAM *TR

NHTSA ID
10469702
Incident
Jul 18, 2012
Mileage
127,000 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 8, 2012

HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE AUDI A6 SINCE INCEPTION. CAR STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. CAR CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS. ENGINE SMOKING FLUID IS POURING OUT OF FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DEALER: NALLEY AUDI IN ROSWELL, GEORGIA. THE CAR DEALER NALLEY AUDI FRAUDULENTLY TOOK MONEY FROM ME AND NEVER REPAIRED VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10469694
Incident
Jul 18, 2012
Mileage
127,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Dec 3, 2007

TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS, AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS ALL FAILED, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO AXLE CAUSING FAILURE OF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC AND REQUIRING AXLE REPLACEMENT (IN ADDITION TO REPLACEMENT OF UPPER CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS, AND TIE RODS). DEALER SAYS NONE OF DAMAGE OR REPAIRS COVERED BY ANY RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10210715
Incident
Nov 3, 2007
Mileage
101,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2007

CONTROL ARM BEARINGS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION ON MY AUDI A6 2.8 QUATTRO WAGON (MY 1999) SHOW EXCESSIVE WEAR AFTER ~80,000 MLS. OEM SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF SINCE IT DELIVERS COMPLETE REPAIR KITS THAT INCLUDE ALL CONTROL ARMS INSTEAD SINCE 2003. SAME FRONT SUSPENSION IS ALSO USED ON VW PASSAT AND AUDI A4 ALL WITH THE SAME ISSUES. RECALL IN GERMANY WAS DONE. WHY NOT IN USA? *TR

NHTSA ID
10198507
Incident
Jul 15, 2007
Mileage
81,300 mi
Suspension
Filed Dec 11, 2004

I RECENTLY BROUGHT OUR 1999 AUDI A-6 IN FOR A RECALL RELATED TO INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS TO SEE IF THE BOOTS WERE DEGRADED. ONE WAS AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE SURPRISE CAME WHEN I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND ANOTHER PROBLEM NOT COVERED BY A RECALL OR WARRANTY - THAT IS THE LEFT TIE ROD REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT RECALLS 99V248000 AND 00V414000 REQUIRED INSPECTION OF THE TIE ROD SEALS. FOR SOME REASON, MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL - THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. FURTHER, I HAVE SEEN IN THIS WEB SITE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF 99 A-6S RE THE SAME PROBLEM. AND I HEARD ONE PERSON IN MY DEALERS SERVICE DEPT. WAITING ROOM GRIPING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM TOO. I BELIEVE THAT ALL 1999 AUDI A-6S SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR INSPECTION OF THIS PROBLEM. AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU SHOULD BE OPENING AN INVESTIGATION - THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM - JUST LIKE YOUR RECENT RECALL OF DODGE SUVS AND TRUCKS. FURTHERMORE, THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PAID SEVERELY HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM FIXED SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10102673
Incident
Sep 24, 2004
Mileage
71,000 mi
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 9, 2004

THE CONSUMERS AUDI A6 QUATTRO HAS PROBLEMS WITH BOTH UPPER CONTROL ARMS BEING LOOSE. BOTH FRONT OUTER CV SPLIT OPEN AND LEAKED AND FRONT PROP SHAFT LEAKED.*BF THE LEFT FRONT TIE ROD WAS LOOSE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10109028
Incident
Dec 1, 2004
Mileage
9,863 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 17, 2004

DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM CONTROL ARM RECALL REPAIRS UNLESS CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE THE TIE ROD DONE BY THEM.*AK

NHTSA ID
10101217
Incident
Jul 20, 2003
Suspension
Filed Jul 23, 2004

I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE REGARDING AUDI, THE AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY, AND I DO NOT KNOW TO WHOM TO TURN TO. AUDI ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH ITS 1999 AUDI A6 AUTOMOBILE. HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.*AK PLEASE SEE MY LETTER BELOW TO GET A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION. POSSIBLY YOU CAN ASSIST ME IN THIS MATTER. MY PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX] JULY 8, 2004 AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. ATTN: CUSTOMER RELATIONS 3499 WEST HAMLIN ROAD MAIL STEP 2 WEST ROCHESTER HILL, MI 48309 REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIRS UNDER RECALL DEAR SIRS: I AM WRITING TO YOU IN REGARD TO YOUR WORLDWIDE RECALL AS DISCUSSED IN THE ATTACHED WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE DATED APRIL 29, 2004. AS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE, AUDI IS RECALLING A6 MODELS BUILT BETWEEN 1997 AND 1999 IN REGARD TO POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLES RUBBER BOOTS ON THE FRONT AXLES. UNFORTUNATELY, BOTH RUBBER BOOTS ON EACH SIDE OF THE FRONT AXLE OF MY AUTOMOBILE (1999 AUDI A6) HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THAT AUDI HAS DISCOVERED AND ACKNOWLEDGED AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THE RIGHT FRONT BOOT OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED ON OCTOBER 1, 2003, BY AUTOBAHN SERVICE CENTER, INC. AT A COST OF TWO HUNDRED AND ONE DOLLARS AND THIRTY-FIVE CENTS ($201.35). THE LEFT BOOT WAS REPLACED ON JULY 1, 2004, BY DANBURY AUDI AT A COST OF TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY ONE DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-SEVEN CENTS ($291.77). COPIES OF BOTH INVOICES ARE INCLUDED ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING CREDIT CARD RECEIPT FOR EACH REPAIR. THE TOTAL FOR BOTH OF THE REPAIRS AMOUNTS TO FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE DOLLARS AND TWELVE CENTS ($493.12). KINDLY REMIT A CHECK TO ME AT THE ADDRESS IN THE LETTERHEAD IN THE AMOUNT OF FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE DOLLARS AND TWELVE CENTS ($493.12) TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO MY AUTOMOBILE STEMMING FROM THE AUDI ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEMS RELATING TO THESE REPAIRS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

NHTSA ID
10082523
Incident
Jul 2, 2004
Suspension
Filed Jun 22, 2004

CONTROL ARM FAILURE ON PASSENGER FRONT RIGHT WITH DAMAGE TO CV BOOT. *AK

NHTSA ID
10078602
Incident
Jun 1, 2004
Mileage
73,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 2, 2004

I OWN A 1999 AUDI AND I RECENTLY STARTED TO HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONTEND. DURING AN OIL CHANGE THE AUDI DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE GOING BAD. I DID NOT GET THEM REPLACED AT THAT TIME. AFEW WEEKS LATER I WAS ON THE INTERNET AND READ ABOUT A CONTROLARM BUSHING RECALL FOR THE 1999 AUDI. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD HEARD OF THE UPCOMING RECALL BUT HAS NO PAPERWORK ON IT. THEN I CALLED THE AUDI HEADQUARTERS THEY TOLD ME THAT IT THE RECALL WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION. I AM SURE MY CAR IS PART OF THIS RECALL. I ALSO READ THAT AT LOW SPEEDS THE EFFECTED PART CAN COME LOOSE AND MAKE MY TIRE FALL OF THE CAR. I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE $1000 TO GET THIS FIXED IF IT IS A RECALL. I HAVE RECIVED NO HELP FROM AUDI TO SEE WETHER MY CAR WILL BE IN THE RECALL OR NOT. *AK

NHTSA ID
10074661
Incident
Jun 1, 2004
Mileage
96,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 13, 2004

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM IS MAKING NOISE WHEN CAR IS ROLLING. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE IT SINCE I HEARD ON YOUR WEB SITE THAT THIS COULD LEAD TO THE FALL OF FRONT WHEELS. THE CAR IS LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AND THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN.*AK

NHTSA ID
10072564
Incident
May 10, 2004
Mileage
74,600 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 10, 2003

FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES. AUDI A6 FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND TIE ROD ENDS SEEM TO FAIL PREMATURELY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FIRST 3 OF THE LEFT CONTROL ARMS AND TIE ROD END, AND THEN 2 MONTHS LATER 3 OF THE RIGHT CONTROL ARMS AND TIE ROD END ON MY 1999 AUDI A6 WITH 53,000 MILES. *LA

NHTSA ID
10041616
Incident
Oct 10, 2003
Mileage
50,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 11, 2002
Crash reported

RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY ON RIGHT SIDE OF CAR SEPARATEDFROM CAR. THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING THE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ID
764074
Incident
Jul 2, 2002
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 27, 2000

THE FRONT END IS TOO LOW FOR PARKING AT THE CURB, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 FRONT BUMPERS... VERY EXPENSIVE. *AK

NHTSA ID
724645
Incident
Jun 27, 2000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .