Premature failure of both tie rod ends and all upper control arms in front suspension, resulting in loose steering, difficulty in maintaining lane position, and vibration in steering while driving and braking. All tie rod ends and front suspension upper control arms (4) required replacement; if left not replaced, potential for catastrophic loss of steering and/or suspension collapse if any one of the 6 affected ball joints fail. Further failure of front right wheel bearing as a result of suspension play, and excessive asymmetrical wear on front tires. Audi recalled all 1999 models for the identical tie rod end rubber seal failure (NHTSA campaign 99V248000), and essentially the same seal design is used on the control arms. Audi only changed the tie rod design in 2003 RS6, meaning potentially all 2000-2004 A6 (and other models potentially) are affected. In addition Audi increased wheel size and weight substantially on newly introduced V8 A6 in 2000, but did not uprate the suspension; the 2003 RS6 change (also a V8) is further evidence of an excess loading problem. Old parts expected to be available.

- Menlo Park, CA, USA