1996 Audi A4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Audi A4, 7% of the 89 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Consumer stated the engine check light keeps coming on and stays on, vehicle has been to dealership on numerous occasions. . Consumer stated the dealer is unable to diagnosis the problem, also the left outer cv boot was replaced, the trunk would not open, and tires were replaced (goodyear tires p205/55r16).”
NHTSA complaint #8003809, filed 2002-02“When shifting into fourth gear,engine fumbles causing the car to vibrate....on cold starts,any release of the throttle and the front end makes loud clicking,dealer couldn't duplicate though happens every day....under acceleration when cold ,exhaust rattles,sounds like heat shield rapping against something.”
NHTSA complaint #712709, filed 1999-10“While driving in cold weather or if the vehicle has not been warmed up, the automatic transmission system malfunctioned, causing the gears not to engage. May stay in one gear for about a mile. This may result in an accident. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #832467, filed 1998-12“Engine check light had activated and vehicle would intermittently fail to accelerate when gas pedal was depressed. Although problem wa ssporadic, the same sequence of events occurred while driving in fast moving traffic, an effort to accelerate would cause engine to race up to 4 rpms. Vehicle coasted on residual momentum, having only braking and steering ability as engine struggled to recover. Consumer brough vehicle to dealer who suggested that vehicle needed a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #837895, filed 1999-06“There is a delayed shifting problem in the vehicle at highway speeds. Vehicle will slam into gear and sometimes surge forward suddenly causing driver to lose control. The manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #843351, filed 1999-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 27% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 11 | 6% |
| 2006 | 14 | 5% |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 43 | 20% |
| 2002 | 16 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Audi A4
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
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 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