1996 Audi A4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 11%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,821miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Audi A4, 11% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,821 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.
“While driving power steering rack assembly failed, causing loss of steering and brake control. Also sealer broke which resulted in power steering fluid to leak, damaging brake pads and disc. Vehicle crashed damaging front end. Dealership not willing to do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10001737, filed 2003-01, 71,000 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“Absolutely the worst car I have ever bought I have spent over $6000 in repairs and gone just 40k miles! Stay away from this car when I called the 1-800 line they were no help and customer service refused to let me speak with anybody in a higher postion. When I said can I write a letter they said sure but it comes to us and the decision is final about your warrantty defects. No safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #748336, filed 2001-07“Audi of north america recalled their 1999 model a4s for failure of the tie rods. I own a 1996 A4 with tie rods that failed and Audi of north america and the dealership refused to repair the damaged tie rods under the recall notice even though the failure was exactly as outlined in the original recall notice sent to all Audi dealers. I read recently in the los angeles times that an owner with a 1998 A4 experienced exactly the same problem. It appears the recall should cover all model years of the A4. I requested and saved the damaged tie rods if you would have interest in seeing them. …”
NHTSA complaint #769518, filed 2002-11“While driving power steering box malfunctioned, causing loss of steering and brake control, also sealer broke which resulted power steering fluid leakage. Consumer stated while driving, steeing rack on the driver side blowed out gasket seak, the mineral oil spray out under pressure toward the inside of fdront wheel soaking brake pads and coating disc, vehicle was hard to steer.”
NHTSA complaint #8001330, filed 2002-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 28% |
| 2013 | 10 | 42% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
11 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 28, 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