1996 Audi A4 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 21%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Audi A4, 21% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Front end control arms continue to be a problem. I have replaced all of them on the front end at least once. I now have another one that needs replacement. I am concerned what will happen if I don't replace it. This is a problem for all owners, and needs to be addressed by Audi before someone is killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10079090, filed 2004-06, 45,000 miles“1996 Audi A4 - Audi A4 front control arms all fail at around 100,000 miles. All 8 of mine were replaced. Audi sent out a TSB for 2 of the 8 control arms and are jerking people around with the reimbursement. They want people to prove that all scheduled maintenance was done, yet the parts in question are not repairable or serviceable. According to my Audi dealer, this is an ongoing problem that hasn't gotten any better, even with the latest models. These cost between $300 - $500 each to replace for a total of $3000 for all 8. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127234, filed 2005-07, 100,000 miles“While driving west on pennsylvania rt. 401 I drove over a small bump in the road, where a drain is buried under the road, and the passenger side front lower a arm snapped in half at a speed of 45 MPH causing a catastrophic failure and the car to grind to a halt on the shoulder of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10397830, filed 2011-04“(1) suspension: front end groans and creaks over bumps (even small bumps), as well as when people enter and exit the vehicle, extent of danger unknown -- Audi has diagnosed it as a control arm problem; (2) sunroof spontaneously opens on its own while vehicle in operation with no human involvement, causing major distraction and potentially dangerous situation -- Audi has diagnosedit as an electrical switch problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #705890, filed 1999-04“Many other Audi a-4 owners have complained about premature wear of tie rods and control arms in vermont. Audi of america and local dealer refused to cover problem although voluntary recall in effect for newer audis.”
NHTSA complaint #737122, filed 2000-12Related service bulletins
- 10016418Nov 24, 2004Service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms. Audi has found that in rare cases, one or both front suspension lower control arms on affected…
- 10011699Nov 24, 2004Check/replace replace front suspension lower control arms.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 18% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 24 | 9% |
| 1997 | 19 | 19% |
| 1996 | 19 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 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 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