Skip to content
Audi CabrioletModel year report

1996 Audi Cabriolet Problems

Complaints
8filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
85,158miles, 4 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Audi Cabriolet (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1996 Audi Cabriolet. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (88% of the total), followed by exterior lighting (1) and body and structure (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,158 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the switch filed under the same part. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Electrical system: “This vehicle experienced same ignition switch defect as stated in recall 96 v 017 000; but this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN. When the ignition switch fails, it affects the wipers, radio, lights and windows.”

NHTSA complaint #10022830, filed 2003-11, 80,317 miles

Body and structure: “Dt: the front passenger door will not open. The latch broke inside the door. All the other mechanisms worked. The problem occurred on april of 2005. They were unable to repair the latch without causing damage to the vehicle. The dealership was still not guaranteeing that they could fix the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10138571, filed 2005-10, 96,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,317 and 90,000 miles.

0%0–100%10–2525%25–500%50–7575%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (4 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 85,158 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

200020012003320052007
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1996 Audi Cabriolet version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Cabriolet FWD2.8L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172219$4,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1996 Audi Cabriolet → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.

Other model years of the Audi Cabriolet

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2003539,5000———Not enough data
1996885,1582—19—Not enough data

All Audi Cabriolet model years

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Audi Cabriolet have?

NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1996 Audi Cabriolet as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1996 Audi Cabriolet is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (88% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 1.

Has the 1996 Audi Cabriolet been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Audi Cabriolet get?

The EPA rates the 1996 Audi Cabriolet (Cabriolet, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Audi Cabriolet reported?

Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,158 miles and the middle half falls between 80,317 and 90,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.