Recalls: Audi B5 A4
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi B5 A4
1995-96 model year Audi B5 A4: horn malfunction
In August 1996, a recall was issued for 1995 and 1996 model year Audi B5 A4 vehicles due to a possible horn malfunction (PRA 1996/2896).
1995-96 Audi B5 A4: inadvertent airbag deployment
In October 1998, a recall was issued for 1995 and 1996 Audi B5 A4 vehicles as static electricity in the steering wheel housing could cause the airbag to deploy inadvertently (PRA 1997/3354).
Audi B5 A4 with manual transmission: potential brake failure
In February 1999, a recall was issued for certain Audi B5 A4 vehicles fitted with manual transmissions as a bolt retaining the clutch and pedals may not have been sufficiently tightened – this could cause brake failure (PRA 1999/3796).
1998 model year Audi B5 A4: steering track rod seals
In September 1999, a recall was issued for 1998 model year Audi B5 A4 and A4 Avant models. In these vehicles, the protective rubber seals that form part of the steering track rod may be incomplete and may allow water and debris to enter the track rod, possibly causing premature wear (PRA 1999/4064).
1997-999 Audi B5 A4 with YHI alloy wheels: incompatible bolts
In December 1999, a recall was issued for Audi B5 A4 vehicles that were available for sale from 6 November 1997 to 4 November 1999 and fitted with YHI alloy wheels. For these vehicles, the wheel retaining bolts may not be compatible with the wheel. As a consequence, the wheel may loosen and come off (PRA 1999/4192).
1995-99 Audi B5 A4: front suspension ball joints
In June 2004, a recall was issued for certain Audi B5 A4 and A4 Avant models produced prior to 31 December 1999. In these vehicles, damage could occur in the sealing rubber boots on the front suspension track control link ball joints – this could lead to the ingress of moisture (PRA 2004/7040).
1997-00 model year Audi B5 A4: Takata airbag and vehicle buyback
In December 2019, recall campaign 69AE was issued for 1997-00 Audi B5 A4 vehicles. These recalled vehicles had Takata airbags and, over time, moisture could enter the airbag inflators and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurred, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and project metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The airbag could also under-inflate and not protect the driver as intended. As part of this recall, Audi Australia would offer to purchase the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (i.e. as determined by a third party valuer appointed by Audi). Due to the age of the vehicles, replacement airbag inflators were not available. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18002.
1999-01 Audi B5 A4 with three-spoke steering wheel: Takata airbag recall
In November 2021, recall campaign 69CJ was issued for 1999-01 Audi B5 A4 vehicles. The propellant in the gas generator of the Takata NADI 5-AT airbag that was fitted to certain vehicles with three-spoke steering wheels may degrade over time. As a result, the driver’s airbag may deploy with reduced force and this could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-004987.
Problems and faults: Audi B5 A4
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Audi B5 A4
- The engine may crank – but not start – if the crankshaft position sensor comes loose.
- The anti-lock braking system (ABS) may activate unnecessarily under normal to light braking pressure due to cracks in tone/exciter rings (rings on the outer CV shaft that measure wheel rotation).
- For early models, jump starting a dead battery – or charging the battery with more than 16 volts – may blow the fuse to the ABS system.
- If the battery has been disconnected, a rough idle or lack of power may require the throttle valve control module to be recalibrated.
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate and the engine idle may be uneven due to carbon build-up on the valves, pistons and combustion chamber – this can be caused by poor-quality fuel.
- The cruise control system may not maintain the set speed due to a failed vacuum servo.
- For early models, the ‘check engine’ light could illuminate if there was less than 12 litres of fuel in the tank and cause a lean misfire.
- For the early 1.8T variants, the KKK K03 turbocharger was susceptible to cracking due to heat.
- For the 1.8T variants, the throttle body control valve may sludge up, causing a very low or uneven idle.
