1996 Audi A4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 29%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Audi A4, 29% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,500 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“(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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10140964, filed 2005-10, 90,500 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000488, filed 2003-01, 10,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149207, filed 2006-02, 50,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10140655, filed 2005-10, 87,000 miles“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. 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”
NHTSA complaint #10008117, filed 2003-02, 66,000 milesRelated recalls
- 06V403000Oct 23, 2006On 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…Covers: Audi A4 1996–1997
- 00V317000Oct 11, 2000Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The plastic ignition switch housing can fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could…Covers: Audi A4 1996–1997
- 96V088000May 23, 1996The horn can work only intermittently due to insufficient electrical ground contact.Covers: Audi A4 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2021 | 3 | 27% |
| 2020 | 91 | 71% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 38% |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2015 | 3 | 16% |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 15 | 8% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 76 | 42% |
| 2001 | 35 | 27% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 33 | 34% |
| 1996 | 26 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
19 complaintsBrakes
11 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 27, 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