1996 Audi A4 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Audi A4, 7% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10112202, filed 2005-02, 27,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157589, filed 2006-05“While travleing at 20-25 MPH vehicle was involed in a head-on collision, crashed into a wall. Upon impact, driver's side and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. Has contacted dealer, and they will inspect vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #890667, filed 2001-06“Consumer states that a recall notice was received in october of 97. Owner scheduled an appointment to have recall repairs. Dealer informed the owner that the parts are not available (97v-175).”
NHTSA complaint #821439, filed 1998-02“Driver's side airbag deployed without impact; parked in garage, shifted to park; parking brakes applied; vehicle still running; airbag deployed as driver was exiting vehicle; no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #808609, filed 1997-02Related recalls
- 97V175000Oct 8, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the…Covers: Audi A4 1995–1997, 90 1995–1997, A6 1995–1997 +2 more
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 13 | 23% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 116 | 66% |
| 2007 | 119 | 61% |
| 2006 | 73 | 25% |
| 2005 | 54 | 25% |
| 2004 | 26 | 14% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 8 | 4% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology