1996 Audi A4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Audi A4, 12% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #10049682, filed 2003-12, 11,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10000559, filed 2003-01, 35,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10041563, filed 2003-10“On numerous occasions, when driving in very wet conditions, there is a very noticeable delay before the brakes have any effect. This can be up to 2 seconds or so, and depending on driving conditions could lead to an accident. This has not happened to me yet, but I am concerned about this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #737283, filed 2000-12“This car has a long delay during wet braking and I can not figure out why. When they are warm it is fine, but when they cool off such as on the interstate while driving, when they are needed they do not stop the car. In a situation where stopping is needed quickly, this car would not be able to do this in a decent amount of space. I do not have any aftermarket parts on this car, gy eagle rsa tires all new, not original brake pads, 16 factory wheels. …”
NHTSA complaint #768380, filed 2002-10Related service bulletins
- 10028008Nov 19, 2008Audi: abs activates during light brake application . Control noises are heard from the abs unit at low speed without brake application.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 33 | 25% |
| 2000 | 51 | 53% |
| 1999 | 91 | 48% |
| 1998 | 125 | 48% |
| 1997 | 15 | 15% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsAir bags
6 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 30, 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