1996 AUDI A4

6 recalls — 50 complaints

06V403000 Oct 23, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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 ENGINE.
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
06E060000 Jun 29, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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
06E049000 May 24, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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
00V317000 Oct 11, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
27,900 vehicles affected
97V175000 Oct 8, 1997
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
39,300 vehicles affected
96V088000 May 23, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
THE HORN CAN WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT.
Remedy: CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND CONTACT SPRING WHICH WILL ENHANCE THE ELECTRICAL GROUND CONNECTION.
3,700 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION Apr 25, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 17, 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 INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I SEE THE FOLLOWING RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE. BUT WHEN I CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834, THEY SAYS MY 1996 AUDI A4 IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS RECALL. VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): AUDI / A4 1996-1997 MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC MFR'S REPORT DATE: OCT 20, 2006 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000 N/A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 28594. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 17, 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 INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I SEE THE FOLLOWING RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE. BUT WHEN I CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834, THEY SAYS MY 1996 AUDI A4 IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS RECALL. VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): AUDI / A4 1996-1997 MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC MFR'S REPORT DATE: OCT 20, 2006 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000 N/A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 28594. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 31, 2009
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 NORMAL OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V403000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 31, 2009
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 NORMAL OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V403000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Mar 31, 2009
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 NORMAL OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V403000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Nov 19, 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. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Mar 27, 2007
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
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER Dec 16, 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 13, 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 VEHICLE AND THE STARTER FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE NEARBY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, AND WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE BURNT STARTER. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE, AND NOTICED AN NHTSA RECALL #00V317000 REGARDING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH. ON 10/13/06, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE PERIOD TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED HAD EXPIRED.
AIR BAGS May 15, 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 MECHANIC FOR A PART FAILURE (WITHIN 24 HRS OF PURCHASE) I WAS TOLD IT HAD BEEN IN A MAJOR COLLISION WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE AIRBAG COVERS HAD BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER THE SRS LIGHT WAS EITHER REMOVED OR THE WIRES CUT SO IT WOULDN'T BE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY WE'RE CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT REPLACED. I'M WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE AGAINST THE SELLER WHEN THEY DO NOT DISCLOSE THE FACT THAT THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NOT PRESENT. CALLS TO THE SELLER HAVE GONE UNANSWERED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Feb 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 DOES NOT FALL INTO THE APPROPRIATE RANGE. HOWEVER, THE DESCRIPTION OF THE 1996 AUDI A4 PROBLEM MATCHES MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER YEARS AGO THAT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE LEATHER STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000. MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL NOTICE. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 27, 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 RECOMMENDATION; NOT BECAUSE IT HAD A MALFUNCTION. (2)IN OCTOBER OF 2005 THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AFTER EXACTLY 36 MONTHS OF SERVICE. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPER BLADES AND THE A/C. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED PREVIOUSLY ON THE 1997 AUDI I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF THEN OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND RESTARTED THE MOTOR. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE STARTER MOTOR STILL ENGAGED SO I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO REEVES AUDI. (3)REEVES AUDI REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND BILLED ME ABOUT $661 BUT AFTER I COMPLAINED THEY GAVE ME A 15% DISCOUNT SO I ENDED UP PAYING ABOUT $571 (4)I CALLED AUDI OF AMERICA. THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL UP MY EARLIER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 1997 A4 AND CREATED A NEW FILE FOR THE 1996 A4 (50407850). HOWEVER, THEIR FINAL WORD ON THE SUBJECT WAS THAT THEY STOOD BEHIND THE 15% DISCOUNT OFFERED TO ME BY REEVES AUDI. (5)BOTTOM LINE IS THAT FOR 2 AUDI AUTOMOBILES I HAD GOOD IGNITION SWITCHES THAT HAD SERVED 59 AND 69 MONTHS BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF AN AUDI OF AMERICA RECALL AND THEN HAD THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCHES FAIL AFTER 18 AND 36 MONTHS. I AM OUT OF POCKET OVER $2500 FOR A PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY AUDI OF AMERICA AND SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED BY REEVES AUDI OF TAMPA. HOW CAN A CAR MANUFACTURER IDENTIFY A PROBLEM (WAS IT A SAFETY RECALL), IDENTIFY CORRECTIVE ACTION, PUT OUT A RECALL NOTICE AND THEN HAVE THE IMPROVED PART FAIL IN SUCH A SHORT TIME SPAN. MY ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCHES NEVER DID FAIL. (6)MY CONTENTION IS THAT AUDI DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL, IN FACT THEY MADE THE PROBLEM CONSIDERABLY WORSE. AUDI SHOULD BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPAIRING THESE IGNITION SWITCHES A 2ND. TIME. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 24, 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 TO GET THE PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF. WHEN I WENT TO AUDI, THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A BAD IGNITION SWITCH AND SAID THE PROBLEM WOULD PROBABLY BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH. I GOT THE WORK DONE AND THEN WENT ON THE INTERNET TO CHECK ANY RECALLS FROM THE NHTSA. A RECALL #00V317000 CAME UP AND DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAD WITH MY AUDI. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER AND AUDI THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN #. I FOUND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS HAZARD WAS TAKEN CARE OF FOR A SELECT NUMBER OF CARS BUT THERE ARE STILL CARS OUT ON THE ROADWAY THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I THINK AUDI WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE LIKELY TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS IF THAT FORD F250 SUPER DUTY WOULD HAVE PLACED ITS V-8 IN MY PASSENGER'S SEAT AS IT ALMOST DID. IT WAS AN AWFUL CLOSE CALL FOR ME AND I AM HAVING A HUGE PROBLEM WITH AUDI NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTS. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Aug 29, 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 ON THE EXACT SAME YEAR (1996) AND MODEL (AUDI A4) AND REGARDING THE EXACT SAME IGNITION PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL THEY CLAIM DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS A 1996 AUDI A4 AND MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME SAFETY PROBLEM COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE RECALL #00V317000. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jul 29, 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
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM 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 ARE NOT REPAIRABLE OR SERVICEABLE. ACCORDING TO MY AUDI DEALER, THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HASN'T GOTTEN ANY BETTER, EVEN WITH THE LATEST MODELS. THESE COST BETWEEN $300 - $500 EACH TO REPLACE FOR A TOTAL OF $3000 FOR ALL 8. THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM COLLECTING ON THIS AND THIS SHOULD COVER ALL 8, SINCE ALL 8 FAIL INSTEAD OF ONLY 2. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE LETTER AND PAPERWORK THAT I PROVIDED TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OVER 6 MONTHS AGO. EVERY AUDI A4 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THE POOR DESIGN AND THE BOGUS TSB LETTER THAT THEY SENT TO OWNERS.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM 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 ARE NOT REPAIRABLE OR SERVICEABLE. ACCORDING TO MY AUDI DEALER, THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HASN'T GOTTEN ANY BETTER, EVEN WITH THE LATEST MODELS. THESE COST BETWEEN $300 - $500 EACH TO REPLACE FOR A TOTAL OF $3000 FOR ALL 8. THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM COLLECTING ON THIS AND THIS SHOULD COVER ALL 8, SINCE ALL 8 FAIL INSTEAD OF ONLY 2. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE LETTER AND PAPERWORK THAT I PROVIDED TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OVER 6 MONTHS AGO. EVERY AUDI A4 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THE POOR DESIGN AND THE BOGUS TSB LETTER THAT THEY SENT TO OWNERS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 22, 2005
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 THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Mar 25, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Mar 25, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 25, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.*AK
AIR BAGS 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Jan 30, 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 ADRESS THE PROBLEM WAAS TO REPLACE THE ENTILE FUEL LINE FROM FRONT TO BACK. I DECLINED THE APPROVE THE WORK AND PICKED UP THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET A SECOND OPINON. THE CUSE OF THE LEAK IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE AUDI TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PROBLEM.*AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Jan 3, 2005
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 4, 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, OHIO WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILURE OF THE INGITION SWITCH HOUSING. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE THAT INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 00V317000 (AUDI CAMPAIGN CODE LE). THE DEALER RESEARCHED THE AUDI DATABASE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2001. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AUDI MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVE, TO THE DISPLEASURE OF THE DEALER, HAS DENIED ANY CLAIM ON THIS INCIDENT PERTAINING TO THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT IT IS AUDI'S POLICY THAT ONCE A RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON A VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT HONOR ANY FURTHER CLAIMS EVEN IF THE PROBLEM IS EXACTLY THE SAME. A CALL TO THE AUDI CONSUMER ADVOCATE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THIS POLICY, INCIDENT # [XXX]. TWO ISSUES SURFACE BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE ADEQUACY OF THE SOLUTION TO THE INITIAL RECALL. THE SECOND ISSUE IS AUDI'S RESPONSE AND POLICY CONCERNING IDENTICAL FAILURES OF COMPONENTS ADDRESSED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN.THE PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY COST AND WILL BE RETAINED ALONG WITH THE SERVICE INVOICE. UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Oct 4, 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, OHIO WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILURE OF THE INGITION SWITCH HOUSING. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE THAT INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 00V317000 (AUDI CAMPAIGN CODE LE). THE DEALER RESEARCHED THE AUDI DATABASE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2001. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AUDI MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVE, TO THE DISPLEASURE OF THE DEALER, HAS DENIED ANY CLAIM ON THIS INCIDENT PERTAINING TO THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT IT IS AUDI'S POLICY THAT ONCE A RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON A VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT HONOR ANY FURTHER CLAIMS EVEN IF THE PROBLEM IS EXACTLY THE SAME. A CALL TO THE AUDI CONSUMER ADVOCATE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THIS POLICY, INCIDENT # [XXX]. TWO ISSUES SURFACE BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE ADEQUACY OF THE SOLUTION TO THE INITIAL RECALL. THE SECOND ISSUE IS AUDI'S RESPONSE AND POLICY CONCERNING IDENTICAL FAILURES OF COMPONENTS ADDRESSED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN.THE PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY COST AND WILL BE RETAINED ALONG WITH THE SERVICE INVOICE. UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Jun 30, 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 KILLED.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Dec 13, 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
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM Nov 7, 2003
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Oct 9, 2003
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. *LA
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 8, 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
STEERING Sep 18, 2003
REPEATED FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURES. *JB *PH *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT Sep 18, 2003
REPEATED FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURES. *JB *PH *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Sep 8, 2003
MY AUDI A4 HAD 3 TIMES REPLACED FRONT CONTROL ARMS , WHEN TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS , DEALER POINTED TO DESIGN PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 15, 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 AREA, WHICH ULTIMATELY DESTROYED THE WIRING HARNESS AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BEFORE. THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED FROM A DESIGN FLAW THAT RESTRICTS WATER DRAINAGE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE RUBBER SEAL AROUND THE DRAINAGE HOLE BELOW THE BATTERY. THE ENGINE DRAINAGE HOLE WAS NOT VISIBLE OR ACCESSIBLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. *SCC *JB
EQUIPMENT May 29, 2003
SEAT HEATER ON DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. HOT BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 29, 2003
SEAT HEATER ON DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT COVER. HOT BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER May 29, 2003
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
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Apr 16, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB
Crash 1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Feb 26, 2003
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'VE SEEN NUMEROUS POSTINGS ON THE AUDI CHAT BOARDS FROM PEOPLE IN MY EXACT POSITION (SAME PROBLEM, SAME YEAR CAR - BUT AUDI USA SAYS THEY'RE NOT COVERED). SEEMS LIKE IT'S A LITTLE SCREWY. PLEASE CONFIRM RECIEPT OF THIS MESSAGE AND LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE. THANKS MUCH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Feb 26, 2003
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'VE SEEN NUMEROUS POSTINGS ON THE AUDI CHAT BOARDS FROM PEOPLE IN MY EXACT POSITION (SAME PROBLEM, SAME YEAR CAR - BUT AUDI USA SAYS THEY'RE NOT COVERED). SEEMS LIKE IT'S A LITTLE SCREWY. PLEASE CONFIRM RECIEPT OF THIS MESSAGE AND LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE. THANKS MUCH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 20, 2003
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 AIRBAG BECAUSE OF PEELING DASH! 3)CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS ERRATIC!! FUNCTIONS ARE NEVER RELIABLE! SCREEN FLICKERS AND MOST TIMES NOT VISIBLE. UNABLE TO VIEW TEMP DUE TO SCREEN NOT BEING VISIBLE, MAY CAUSE ACCIDENT DUE IF WINDSHEILD BECOMES FOGGY BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK CLIMATE CONTROLS. THESE SEEM TO BE A RECCURRING PROBLEM WITH THE 1996 AUDI A4 SPOKEN AMONG OTHER 1996 AUDI A4 OWNERS VIA ONILNE FORUM.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS Feb 3, 2003
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
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP Feb 3, 2003
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
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Feb 3, 2003
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
STEERING Jan 9, 2003
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Jan 6, 2003
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Jan 3, 2003
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 PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN HAVING. RECALL IS 96V088000. BUT MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T COVER MY CAR. OBVIOUSLY IS SHOULD, SINCE I AM SUFFERING (HAVE BEEN SUFFERING) FROM THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM FOR 6 YEARS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO EXPAND THIS RECALL TO CARS THROUGH, AT LEAST, MY VIN, AS THE RECALL ISN'T WIDE ENOUGH. TS