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Exterior lightingPart report

1996 Audi A4 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
6%of 89 total for the year
Median mileage
66,642miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Audi A4, 6% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,642 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.

“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 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10004571, filed 2003-02, 66,642 miles

“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

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10263784, filed 2009-03, 130,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202011%
201712%
2015211%
201413%
201023%
200943%
2008116%
200784%
200615954%
200510146%
2004147%
20032311%
2002179%
200132%
200022%
199942%
199852%
199733%
199656%

Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4

Electrical system
26 complaints
Suspension
19 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Equipment
8 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Body 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