1996 Audi A4 Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 9%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1996 Audi A4, 9% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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.
“After starting my vehicle and attempting to turn on my headlights (incident occured approx. 8:00 pm), I noticed that my headlights, and tail lights were inoperable. I also notiiced that my climate control system, warning/indicator lights (lights during normal start-up), outside ambient temperature gauge, door locks, and my turn signals were all inoperable. I then proceeded to turn off my engine to trouble shoot the problems when I found that I was unable to turn the key in the ignition (to the off position). I verified that my automatic transmision shifter was in park p . …”
NHTSA complaint #718941, filed 2000-02“Ignition switch was still on when consumer started vehicle. Also, starter didn't return back when engaged from the switch, and air conditioner was blowing slowy and there was a smell coming fron the air conditioner. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership. Mechanic told conssumer that he needed an evaporator , and it was leaking coolant.”
NHTSA complaint #865901, filed 2000-07“Service manual for 96 and 97 Audi A4 do not indicate the need for replacement of the timing belt at 90,000 miles. Manufacturer admits the failure but refuses to update manuals for owners. This car has an interference engine which will cause several thousands of dollars of damage to the engine if the timing belt fails. I feel that the manufacturer should recall the service manuals and inform owners of the potential costly and dangerous conditions if the timing belt fails. The 98 and newer manuals indicate the timing belt need, but the 96 and 97 make no mention. …”
NHTSA complaint #704628, filed 1999-03Related service bulletins
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Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 8 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSteering
10 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 29, 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