1996 AUDI A4

6 recalls, 133 complaints - 62 TSBs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE ANCHOR POINT OF THE SPRING MAY CRACK. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGIN... Read more

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW IGNITION SWITCH WITH AN OPTIMIZED ANCHOR POINT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES THE REMEDY PROGRAM UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 00V317).

28,594 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA... Read more

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

87,745 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. ... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

27,176 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING CAN FRACTURE AT THE RETURN SPRING ANCHOR POINT. FRACTURE OF THE HOUSING COULD CAUSE THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

27,900 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Consequence

ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

39,300 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

Defect Description

THE HORN CAN WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND CONTACT SPRING WHICH WILL ENHANCE THE ELECTRICAL GROUND CONNECTION.

3,700 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Complaint Statistics

133 total complaints 4 crashes 1 fires 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	17
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM	9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM	4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	4
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY	4
SUSPENSION:FRONT	4
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	3

Incident date: Apr 20, 2011

WHILE DRIVING WEST ON PENNSYLVANIA RT. 401 I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, WHERE A DRAIN IS BURIED UNDER THE ROAD, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER A ARM SNAPPED IN HALF AT A SPEED OF 45 MPH CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND THE CAR TO GRIND TO A HALT ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2009

I HAVE 1996 AUDI A4 AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECALL PROBLEM AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000, WHICH IS NOT ABLE TO RETURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION CAUSING ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOP... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2009

Incident date: Sep 9, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN HE STARTED THE IGNITION. THE RPM'S INCREASED AND THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO RETURN TO THE ENGINE RUNNING POSITION. IMMEDIATELY, THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED MANUALLY TO THE "ON" POSITION TO RESUME... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2008

Incident date: Nov 10, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS KEYS WERE STUCK IN THE IGNITION. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V403000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 200,000. UPDATED 12-08-08 *BF UPDATED 12/10/08... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2006

1996 AUDI A4 CUSTOMER HAD REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH THAN A WEEK LATER HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. CUSTOMER SUBMITTED THE PAPER TO AUDI AND WAS GIVEN HALF PAYMENT CUSTOMER WOULD LIKE FULL REIMBURSEMENT**CC *JB

Incident date: Dec 13, 2006

1996 AUDI A4 QUATTRO WITH LEATHERETTE PASSENGER SEAT - HEATED SEAT WAS SET AT LEVEL 6 AND WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING ON THE SEAT A HOLE THE SIZE OF TWO QUARTERS WAS BURNT INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO THE HEATED SEAT STARTING A SMALL FIRE.. *NM

Fire

Incident date: Oct 10, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLES STARTER COMPLETELY FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO REPLACED THE STARTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THAT SAME DAY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2006

THIS IS NOT RELATED TO A MANUFACTURER COMPLAINT, BUT I AM HOPING TO GET SOME INFO ON WHO TO CONTACT FOR AN ISSUE IN A PRIVATE PARTY USED VEHICLE PURCHASE. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A CAR WITH A CLEAN CARFAX REPORT AND THE SELLER SAID IT HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISIONS. UPON TAKING IT TO MY MECH... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2006

I OWN A 1996 AUDI A4. THE HORN HAS INTERMITTENTLY WORKED SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE - SINCE 1999. I'VE TRIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO HAVE VARIOUS DEALERS FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL NOTICE FOR THE HORN ASSEMBLY (CAMPAIGN: 96V088000) BUT I'M NOW FINALLY TOLD THAT MY VIN ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2005

(1) I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (LE RECALL) FROM AUDI OF AMERICA ON THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 1996 A4 SEDAN. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED ON 10/10/02. AT THAT POINT IN TIME THE ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCH HAD BEEN PERFORMING CORRECTLY FOR 69 MONTHS BUT I HAD IT REPLACED BECAUSE OF AUDI'S RECOMMENDATI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2005

I OWN AN 1996 AUDI A4. RECENTLY, MY HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING ALL TOGETHER AT VARIOUS TIMES. SOMETIMES THEY WORK FINE THE NEXT MINUTE THEY WOULDN'T. ONE NIGHT I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MY REAR TAILLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI T... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2005

PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH CAUSING THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, ALSO CAUSING ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND RUNNING DOWN THE BATTERY. THERE WAS A RECALL CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2005

ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH OF MY 1996 AUDI A4 WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL IN AUGUST 2001, IT HAS THE SAME FAILURE ALMOST EXACTLY 4 YEARS LATER. THE SWITCH NEITHER ALLOWS THE CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF NOR ALLOWS THE WIPERS, LIGHTS AND INDICATORS TO FUNCTION. *NM

Incident date: Jul 1, 2005

1996 AUDI A4 - AUDI A4 FRONT CONTROL ARMS ALL FAIL AT AROUND 100,000 MILES. ALL 8 OF MINE WERE REPLACED. AUDI SENT OUT A TSB FOR 2 OF THE 8 CONTROL ARMS AND ARE JERKING PEOPLE AROUND WITH THE REIMBURSEMENT. THEY WANT PEOPLE TO PROVE THAT ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS DONE, YET THE PARTS IN QUESTION ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2005

Incident date: Mar 10, 1998

00 V 317 000/IGNITION SWITCH: THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT RETURN TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THE SWITCH BACK AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND NOTIFIED HER DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2005

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK

Incident date: Mar 24, 2005

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK

Incident date: Mar 24, 2005

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK

Incident date: Feb 26, 2005

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. ALSO HORN HAS NOT WORK FOR THE LAST 3,000 MILES. CAR ONLY HAS 27,000 ON IT. BOTH OF THESE SAFETY ITEMS ARE VERY COMMON FAILURES ON AUDI A4. IT TIME THAT THE NHTSA DOES SOMETHING. REMEMBER ITS: "PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE" AND NOT "NHTSA SERVING THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS." *JB

Incident date: Jan 17, 2005

I DETECTED A STONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. I TOOK THE VEHICK IN TWO WEEKS AGO AND WAS TOLD THAT A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AT A CRIMP, SPILLING DOWN THE WHEEL WELL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COST TO PERFROM THE REPAIR WOULD BE $950 AS THE ONLY WAY TO ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 10, 2004

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME WAS CRACKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REWELDED WITH OVERLAYING METAL. *AK *TT

Incident date: Sep 27, 2004

THERE WERE NO CRASHES AND NO INJURIES RELATED TO THIS INCIDENT. I PURCHASED A 1996 AUDI A4 QUATTRO, VIN [XXX], USED ON FEBRUARY 7, 2004. ON THE INCIDENT DATE THE INGITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE STARTER MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OUR SERVICE DEALER, MIDWESTERN AUTO GROUP, DUBLIN,... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2004

Incident date: Jun 29, 2004

FRONT END CONTROL ARMS CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THEM ON THE FRONT END AT LEAST ONCE. I NOW HAVE ANOTHER ONE THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON'T REPLACE IT. THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR ALL OWNERS, AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY AUDI BEFORE SOMEONE IS... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2004

AT 10 DEGREE BELOW ZERO THROTTLE CABLE STUCK, AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THROTTLE BODY WAS THE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Dec 8, 2003

I HAD MY BRAKES AND TIRES REPLACED AND NOW THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON IN THE CAR THE REAR BRAKES LOCK UP IF THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT GO ON ADN THE CAR CAN GET OUT OF CONTROL IN CASE OF BRAKING IN AN EMERGENCY . *AK

WHEN VEHICLE REACHED 30,000 MILES CONTROL ARMS DRIED OUT AND CREATED AN ANNOYING SOUND. A BLACK RUBBER COMPOUND WAS ADDED, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUED.*AK

Incident date: Sep 16, 2002

BRAKE FAILURE IN WET CONDITIONS. I WAS DRIVING ON 95N IN PROVIDENCE. AS I WAS CHANGING LANES, I LOST STEERING ABILITIES. WHEN I BRAKED I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE AND CRASHED INTO THE JERSEY BARRIER THEN BOUNCED OFF IT AND WENT INTO A 180 DEGREE SPIN ACROSS 4 LANES. I WAS STOPPED BY THE GUARD RAIL. ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 25, 2003

WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. *AK THE STARTER FAILURE WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. RECALL# 00V317000. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER. *SCC *JB

Incident date: Sep 19, 2003

REPEATED FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURES. *JB *PH *JB

Incident date: Sep 19, 2003

REPEATED FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURES. *JB *PH *JB

Incident date: Jul 11, 2002

MY AUDI A4 HAD 3 TIMES REPLACED FRONT CONTROL ARMS , WHEN TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS , DEALER POINTED TO DESIGN PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: May 6, 2003

1996 AUDI A4 INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FLOODING. *MR THE CONSUMER OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR TO FIND A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE (FRONT AND REAR/APPROXIMATELY 32 GALLONS OF WATER). THEY LATER FOUND WATER AROUND THE BATTERY AND OTHER ENGINE PARTS WITHIN THAT AR... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2002

SEAT HEATER ON DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. HOT BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG.

Incident date: Dec 15, 2002

SEAT HEATER ON DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. HOT BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG.

Incident date: Dec 28, 2002

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ELECTRICAL SEAT HEATER AND BURNER AS STATED IN RECALL # 02 V 314 000. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK

Incident date: Apr 13, 2003

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 25, 2002

I HAD A PROBLEM IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V317000. I HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL ASSEMBLY AS WELL.*JB AUDI USA SAID THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED AS PART OF THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, I... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2002

Incident date: Jan 20, 2000

1)ENGINE BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 500 MILES!! DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED HEADGASKETS AND VALVE SEALS AND CAR STILL BURNS OILS. 2)FRONT DASH IS PEELING AND BECOMING LOOSE AROUND ENTIRE FRONT NEAR WINDSHIELD, CORNERS AND PASSENGER AIRBAG!! CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBLE DAMAGE DUE TO EXPOSED OF PASSENGER... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2002

THE TIE RODS OF BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE DAMAGED. THE RUBBER CAP WAS BROKEN ON BOTH AND THE TIE RODS HAD A LOT OF PLAY AT THE JOINT UNDERNEATH. THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED CAUSING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LAMP FAILED. *NLM

Incident date: Oct 21, 2002

Incident date: Oct 1, 2001

WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL. ALSO SEALER BROKE WHICH RESULTED IN POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK, DAMAGING BRAKE PADS AND DISC. VEHICLE CRASHED DAMAGING FRONT END. DEALERSHIP NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *TT *NLM

Crash

Incident date: Dec 25, 2002

THE BRAKES ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL, CAN HARDLY STOP THE CAR, WITHIN THE FIRST 150 FEET WHEN INITIALLY APPLIED IN WET CONDITIONS. THIS CONDITION REAPPEARS EACH TIME AFTER THE VEHICLE GOES FOR 1 TO 2 MILES WITHOUT REAPPLYING BRAKES TO DRY IT.

Incident date: Nov 2, 2002

MY HORN HAS FAILED ONCE PER YEAR FOR THE 6+ YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. AUDI (MANUFACTURER) HAS REPLACED HORN UNDER WARRANTY EACH TIME, AND REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT ONE TIME (OUT OF WARRANTY). I JUST DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SOME VINS FOR MY CAR (1996 AUDI A4 QUATTRO) FOR THE EXACT... Read more

Showing 50 of 133 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 AUDI A4

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	16.0	26.0	19.0	Premium	$4,000
2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	17.0	25.0	20.0	Premium	$3,800

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 AUDI A4

62 manufacturer communications from 51 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	8
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
200000 WHEELS	5
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	4
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	3
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	3
021530 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM	3
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This 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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This 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 l

350000 EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Due 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

200000 WHEELS

This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes 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 a

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes 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

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

AUDI: ENGINE, ON SOME VEHICLES, WOULD RUN IRREGULARLY OR HAVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON OR POSSIBLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT VALVE CAN LOOSEN AND IN OIL CIRCUIT, THERE IS NO DAMAGE FROM LOOSENED PARTICLES. MODEL AL

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake l

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiri

350000 EQUIPMENT

This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.

200000 WHEELS

Tightening wheel bolts

200000 WHEELS

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Google Maps Street View (NVLW))

200000 WHEELS

Tightening wheel bolts

203000 WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should no

200000 WHEELS

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

AUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, USE CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH AND NOT TORQUE STICKS, TORQUE EXTENSION BARS AND IMPACT GUNS/WRENCHES NOT APPROVED FOR USAGE ON WHEEL BOLTS BY MANUFACTURER, THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL, HUB. MODE

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Audi Elsa Newsletter

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for serv

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake

036500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE

036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE

203000 WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

AUDI: WHEEL BOLTS REQUIRE TORQUE ADJUSTMENT. TORQUE STICKS AND TORQUE EXTENSION BARS ARE NOT APPROVED BY AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO APPLY TORQUE TO WHEEL BOLTS. ALL AUDI MODELS INCLUDED. *PE

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HEADLIGHT AIMING, USING HELLA UNIVERSAL BEAMSETTER. *KB

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

121100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

124000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

127000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

122000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE

021530 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

CHECK/REPLACE REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *TC

021530 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

SERVICE ACTION JE CAMPAIGN-CHECK/REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. AUDI HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE CASES, ONE OR BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT WEAR, EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE TO THE RUBBER BO

021530 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

SERVICE ACTION TO INSPECT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEALS. *TT

015100 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

ZF VH RECALL OF THE ZF STEERING PUMP, SUPPLIED TO WD'S FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AUDI A4 PASSAT P/N 8D0 145 156FX INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT ZF P/N 7691 955 276ZW. 2004 AUDI A4 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

SUBJECT REGARDING NOISY FRONT SUSPENSION. *JG

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS TECHNICAL REPAIR MANUAL CONTAINS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS, TROUBLESHOOTING AND COMPLENT LOCATIONS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLE EXHIBITING A WHINING / WHIRRING TYPE NOISE AT CERTAIN MPH RANGES. *TT

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS, TROUBLESHOOTING & COMPONENT LOCATIONS TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO. 8. *YC

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SERVICE INFORMATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM. *TT

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

CLUNKING OR RATTLING NOISE FROM ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROADS. *YC

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION ON SERVICING CLUTCH AND CLUTCH CONTROLS ON VEHICLES WITH FWD MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT ON TORQUE SPECIFICATION CHANGE FOR VEHICLES WITH 1.8, 5 VALVE TURBO. *YC

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE EXHIBITS DELAYED 1-2 SHIFT UNDER PART LOAD AFTER A COLD START. *YC

220000 SEATS

REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE FRONT SEAT BACKREST PANEL. *YC

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

INFORMATION ON AIRBAG LABEL FOR REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD. *YC

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

REPAIR MANUAL ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS. *YC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, AUDI A4

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2004

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-027, VOLKSWAGEN AG (VW) STATED THAT IT BELIEVES THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSAL OR CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES COULD RESULT FROM EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOREIGN MATERIALS IN THE FUEL FILTER.IN RARE CASES, THE FUEL FI... LTER COULD BECOME CLOGGED, WHICH CAN CAUSE INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE PUMP.VW INDICATED THAT ENGINE STALLS RESULTING FROM THIS CONDITION ARE RARE AND WOULD BE PRECEDED BY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS REDUCED ENGINE POWER, NOISE OR HESITATION.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA DETERMINED THAT THE RATE OF ENGINE STALL INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM FUEL PUMP FAILURE IS LOW AT APPROXIMATELY 0.2 PERCENT AFTER THREE YEARS IN SERVICE. ON JANUARY 17, 2006, VW SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO ODI CONCERNING A SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL PUMPS OF APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (47,000), AUDI A4 (20,000) AND AUDI A6 (7,000) VEHICLES BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 2002 THROUGH MARCH 2003 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V-017, VW RECALL NOS. M7 FOR PASSAT AND JL FOR AUDI A4 AND A6).ACCORDING TO VW, A SUB-SUPPLIER EXPERIENCED AN UNKNOWN CHANGE IN THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SET USED IN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INCREASED WEAR OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SETS, WHICH IN TURN CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE.ON JULY 23, 2007, VW EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO INCLUDE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2002 THROUGH APRIL 2003, ADDING ANOTHER 34,358 VEHICLES TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL (24,801 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, 7,436 AUDI A4 AND 2,121 AUDI A6 VEHICLES).ODI ASSIGNED RECALL NO. 07V-375 TO THE AMENDED RECALL REPORT. THE MY 2004 AUDI A4 VEHICLES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF PE08-027 ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE SUB-SUPPLIER ISSUE THAT PROMPTED 06V-017 AND 07V-375.PRODUCTION OF THE MY 2004 VEHICLES BEGAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE AMENDED PRODUCTION RANGE IDENTIFIED IN 07V-375.THE FUEL PUMP FAILURES IN THE MY 2004 VEHICLES HAVE DIFFERENT CAUSES THAN THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THE PRIOR RECALL POPULATIONS AND HAVE OCCURRED AT MUCH LOWER FREQUENCIES. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FIND BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE

VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1996

DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHER

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1996

DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITION

There is no summary currently available

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1996

IGNITION SWITCH

There is no summary currently available

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS

There is no summary currently available

AUDI A4 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the AUDI A4 across all model years (1995, 2022).

75 Total Recalls

3,689 Total Complaints

7 Investigations

148 Reported Crashes

72 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

AUDI A4 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2024	0	4	View
2023	0	19	View
2022	3	10	View
2021	4	19	View
2020	3	230	View
2019	1	16	View
2018	1	80	View
2017	1	75	View
2016	0	18	View
2015	0	24	View
2014	0	38	View
2013	0	28	View
2012	0	23	View
2011	0	17	View
2010	0	77	View
2009	2	150	View
2008	4	204	View
2007	3	226	View
2006	3	343	View
2005	4	267	View
2004	3	225	View
2003	4	282	View
2002	2	218	View
2001	3	153	View
2000	5	115	View
1999	7	242	View
1998	6	321	View
1997	8	119	View
1996 (current)	6	133
1995	2	1	View

Other AUDI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
A6	205	2,172	View
Q5	151	1,727	View
A8	138	357	View
Q7	134	1,343	View
A7	120	209	View
S6	118	187	View
S3	111	122	View
A5	100	418	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1996 AUDI A4

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 AUDI A4

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 AUDI A4

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, AUDI A4

AUDI A4 - All Years Overview

AUDI A4 - Year by Year

Other AUDI Models