FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 Audi A4 problems

Owners have filed 133 complaints about the 1996 Audi A4 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2011. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 28 worst.

B

FaultScore 37/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Audi A4.

How this is worked out

The numbers

133

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

68,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 51 vs 50 Severity 23 vs 50 Early failure 23 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Audi A4. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 23
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Audi A4

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Audi A4

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 98,238 miles

Suspension 23 17.3%

Median failure at 95,000 miles

Brakes 13 9.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 23,000 mi

Steering 11 8.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 66,642 mi

Equipment & Accessories 9 6.8%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Lights 8 6.0%

Median failure at 66,642 miles

Other & Unspecified 6 4.5%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 4.5%

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Airbags 6 4.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 4.5%
Engine & Cooling 5 3.8%
Seats 3 2.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 61,000 mi

Body & Structure 2 1.5%
Tires 1 0.8%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 0.8%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 0.8%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Switch 17 32.7%
Control ARM 9 17.3%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 7 13.5%
Lower ARM 4 7.7%
TIE ROD Assembly 4 7.7%
Ignition 4 7.7%
Front 4 7.7%
AIR Conditioner 3 5.8%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 5.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 10.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 14 37.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 18.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 7 18.9%
150,000+ miles 3 8.1%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 1996 peak 10 Apr 2011

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Audi A4

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA00021 Opened 11 Aug 2000 Closed 29 Mar 2002 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHER

PE00016 Opened 4 Apr 2000 Closed 11 Aug 2000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITION

RQ00009 Opened 21 Mar 2000 Closed 30 Nov 2000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IGNITION SWITCH

Recalls on the 1996 Audi A4

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2006275 2,767 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the ignition switch return spring anchor point may crack. If this happens, the return spring force may be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative. Correction: Dealers will install an updated ignition switch.

Recall 2000238 2,767 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the plastic ignition switch housing may fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative. Correction: Ignition switch will be replaced with a modified switch.

Recall 1997176 1,997 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS COULD ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE INJURY. CORRECTION: A GROUND WIRE WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall 1996092 168 units in Canada

Steering

THE HORN MAY IN SOME INSTANCES, WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GROUND CONTACT. THIS CONDITION WOULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN. CORRECTION: A GROUND CONTACT SPRING WILL BE INSTALLED TO ENHANCE THE GROUND CONNECTION:

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Windsor Locks, CT Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

1996 AUDI A4 QUATTRO WITH LEATHERETTE PASSENGER SEAT - HEATED SEAT WAS SET AT LEVEL 6 AND WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING ON THE SEAT A HOLE THE SIZE OF TWO QUARTERS WAS BURNT INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO THE HEATED SEAT STARTING A SMALL FIRE..

NHTSA complaint #10176313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boston, MA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

BRAKE FAILURE IN WET CONDITIONS. I WAS DRIVING ON 95N IN PROVIDENCE. AS I WAS CHANGING LANES, I LOST STEERING ABILITIES. WHEN I BRAKED I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE AND CRASHED INTO THE JERSEY BARRIER THEN BOUNCED OFF IT AND WENT INTO A 180 DEGREE SPIN ACROSS 4 LANES. I WAS STOPPED BY THE GUARD RAIL.

NHTSA complaint #10041563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Napoleon, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #10016009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Alamo, CA Crash

STEERING

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. *TT *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10001737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Pedro, CA Crash

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE TRAVLEING AT 20-25 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, CRASHED INTO A WALL. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAS CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WILL INSPECT VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #890667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Morgantown, PA

SUSPENSION

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles Marietta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

I HAVE 1996 AUDI A4 AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECALL PROBLEM AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000, WHICH IS NOT ABLE TO RETURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION CAUSING ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I SEE THE FOLLOWING RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE. BUT WHEN I CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834, THEY SAYS MY 1996 AUDI A4 IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS RECALL. VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): AUDI / A4 1996-1997 MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC MFR'S REPORT DATE: OCT 20, 2006 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000 N/A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 28594.

NHTSA complaint #10284461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles Marietta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE 1996 AUDI A4 AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECALL PROBLEM AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000, WHICH IS NOT ABLE TO RETURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION CAUSING ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I SEE THE FOLLOWING RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE. BUT WHEN I CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834, THEY SAYS MY 1996 AUDI A4 IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS RECALL. VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): AUDI / A4 1996-1997 MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC MFR'S REPORT DATE: OCT 20, 2006 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V403000 N/A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 28594.

NHTSA complaint #10284461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Saginaw, MI

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

TL*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. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10263784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Saginaw, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL*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. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10263784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Saginaw, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*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. THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10263784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Lancaster, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS KEYS WERE STUCK IN THE IGNITION. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V403000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 200,000. UPDATED 12-08-08 *BF UPDATED 12/10/08.

NHTSA complaint #10249337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

HAM Lake, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

1996 AUDI A4 CUSTOMER HAD REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH THAN A WEEK LATER HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. CUSTOMER SUBMITTED THE PAPER TO AUDI AND WAS GIVEN HALF PAYMENT CUSTOMER WOULD LIKE FULL REIMBURSEMENT**CC

NHTSA complaint #10186839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Windsor Locks, CT Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

1996 AUDI A4 QUATTRO WITH LEATHERETTE PASSENGER SEAT - HEATED SEAT WAS SET AT LEVEL 6 AND WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING ON THE SEAT A HOLE THE SIZE OF TWO QUARTERS WAS BURNT INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO THE HEATED SEAT STARTING A SMALL FIRE..

NHTSA complaint #10176313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles LOS Gatos, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLES STARTER COMPLETELY FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO REPLACED THE STARTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THAT SAME DAY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE STARTER FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE NEARBY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, AND WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE BURNT STARTER. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE, AND NOTICED AN NHTSA RECALL #00V317000 REGARDING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH. ON 10/13/06, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE PERIOD TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED HAD EXPIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10170742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Concord, CA

AIR BAGS

THIS IS NOT RELATED TO A MANUFACTURER COMPLAINT, BUT I AM HOPING TO GET SOME INFO ON WHO TO CONTACT FOR AN ISSUE IN A PRIVATE PARTY USED VEHICLE PURCHASE. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A CAR WITH A CLEAN CARFAX REPORT AND THE SELLER SAID IT HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISIONS. UPON TAKING IT TO MY MECHANIC FOR A PART FAILURE (WITHIN 24 HRS OF PURCHASE) I WAS TOLD IT HAD BEEN IN A MAJOR COLLISION WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE AIRBAG COVERS HAD BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER THE SRS LIGHT WAS EITHER REMOVED OR THE WIRES CUT SO IT WOULDN'T BE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY WE'RE CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT REPLACED. I'M WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE AGAINST THE SELLER WHEN THEY DO NOT DISCLOSE THE FACT THAT THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NOT PRESENT. CALLS TO THE SELLER HAVE GONE UNANSWERED.

NHTSA complaint #10157589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Washington, DC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

I OWN A 1996 AUDI A4. THE HORN HAS INTERMITTENTLY WORKED SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE - SINCE 1999. I'VE TRIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO HAVE VARIOUS DEALERS FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL NOTICE FOR THE HORN ASSEMBLY (CAMPAIGN: 96V088000) BUT I'M NOW FINALLY TOLD THAT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL INTO THE APPROPRIATE RANGE. HOWEVER, THE DESCRIPTION OF THE 1996 AUDI A4 PROBLEM MATCHES MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER YEARS AGO THAT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE LEATHER STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000. MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL NOTICE. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA complaint #10149207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,500 miles Odessa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

(1) I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (LE RECALL) FROM AUDI OF AMERICA ON THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 1996 A4 SEDAN. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED ON 10/10/02. AT THAT POINT IN TIME THE ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCH HAD BEEN PERFORMING CORRECTLY FOR 69 MONTHS BUT I HAD IT REPLACED BECAUSE OF AUDI'S RECOMMENDATION; NOT BECAUSE IT HAD A MALFUNCTION. (2)IN OCTOBER OF 2005 THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AFTER EXACTLY 36 MONTHS OF SERVICE. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPER BLADES AND THE A/C. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED PREVIOUSLY ON THE 1997 AUDI I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF THEN OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND RESTARTED THE MOTOR. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE STARTER MOTOR STILL ENGAGED SO I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO REEVES AUDI. (3)REEVES AUDI REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND BILLED ME ABOUT $661 BUT AFTER I COMPLAINED THEY GAVE ME A 15% DISCOUNT SO I ENDED UP PAYING ABOUT $571 (4)I CALLED AUDI OF AMERICA. THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL UP MY EARLIER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 1997 A4 AND CREATED A NEW FILE FOR THE 1996 A4 (50407850). HOWEVER, THEIR FINAL WORD ON THE SUBJECT WAS THAT THEY STOOD BEHIND THE 15% DISCOUNT OFFERED TO ME BY REEVES AUDI. (5)BOTTOM LINE IS THAT FOR 2 AUDI AUTOMOBILES I HAD GOOD IGNITION SWITCHES THAT HAD SERVED 59 AND 69 MONTHS BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF AN AUDI OF AMERICA RECALL AND THEN HAD THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCHES FAIL AFTER 18 AND 36 MONTHS. I AM OUT OF POCKET OVER $2500 FOR A PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY AUDI OF AMERICA AND SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED BY REEVES AUDI OF TAMPA. HOW CAN A CAR MANUFACTURER IDENTIFY A PROBLEM (WAS IT A SAFETY RECALL), IDENTIFY CORRECTIVE ACTION, PUT OUT A RECALL NOTICE AND THEN HAVE THE IMPROVED PART FAIL IN SUCH A SHORT TIME SPAN. MY ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCHES NEVER DID FAIL. (6)MY CONTENTION IS THAT AUDI DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL, IN FACT THEY MADE THE PROBLEM CONSIDERABLY WORSE. AUDI SHOULD BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPAIRING THESE IGNITION SWITCHES A 2ND. TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10140964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Hatfield, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

I OWN AN 1996 AUDI A4. RECENTLY, MY HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING ALL TOGETHER AT VARIOUS TIMES. SOMETIMES THEY WORK FINE THE NEXT MINUTE THEY WOULDN'T. ONE NIGHT I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MY REAR TAILLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI TO GET THE PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF. WHEN I WENT TO AUDI, THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A BAD IGNITION SWITCH AND SAID THE PROBLEM WOULD PROBABLY BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH. I GOT THE WORK DONE AND THEN WENT ON THE INTERNET TO CHECK ANY RECALLS FROM THE NHTSA. A RECALL #00V317000 CAME UP AND DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAD WITH MY AUDI. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER AND AUDI THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN #. I FOUND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS HAZARD WAS TAKEN CARE OF FOR A SELECT NUMBER OF CARS BUT THERE ARE STILL CARS OUT ON THE ROADWAY THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I THINK AUDI WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE LIKELY TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS IF THAT FORD F250 SUPER DUTY WOULD HAVE PLACED ITS V-8 IN MY PASSENGER'S SEAT AS IT ALMOST DID. IT WAS AN AWFUL CLOSE CALL FOR ME AND I AM HAVING A HUGE PROBLEM WITH AUDI NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTS.

NHTSA complaint #10140655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Midlothian, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH CAUSING THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, ALSO CAUSING ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND RUNNING DOWN THE BATTERY. THERE WAS A RECALL CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON THE EXACT SAME YEAR (1996) AND MODEL (AUDI A4) AND REGARDING THE EXACT SAME IGNITION PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL THEY CLAIM DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS A 1996 AUDI A4 AND MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME SAFETY PROBLEM COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE RECALL #00V317000.

NHTSA complaint #10134659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Berwyn, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH OF MY 1996 AUDI A4 WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL IN AUGUST 2001, IT HAS THE SAME FAILURE ALMOST EXACTLY 4 YEARS LATER. THE SWITCH NEITHER ALLOWS THE CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF NOR ALLOWS THE WIPERS, LIGHTS AND INDICATORS TO FUNCTION.

NHTSA complaint #10130578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bergenfield, NJ

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

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. THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM COLLECTING ON THIS AND THIS SHOULD COVER ALL 8, SINCE ALL 8 FAIL INSTEAD OF ONLY 2. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE LETTER AND PAPERWORK THAT I PROVIDED TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OVER 6 MONTHS AGO. EVERY AUDI A4 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THE POOR DESIGN AND THE BOGUS TSB LETTER THAT THEY SENT TO OWNERS.

NHTSA complaint #10127234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bergenfield, NJ

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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. THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM COLLECTING ON THIS AND THIS SHOULD COVER ALL 8, SINCE ALL 8 FAIL INSTEAD OF ONLY 2. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE LETTER AND PAPERWORK THAT I PROVIDED TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OVER 6 MONTHS AGO. EVERY AUDI A4 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THE POOR DESIGN AND THE BOGUS TSB LETTER THAT THEY SENT TO OWNERS.

NHTSA complaint #10127234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles Venice, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

00 V 317 000/IGNITION SWITCH: THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT RETURN TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THE SWITCH BACK AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND NOTIFIED HER DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10119058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Pittsfield, MA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.

NHTSA complaint #10115883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Pittsfield, MA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.

NHTSA complaint #10115883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Pittsfield, MA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BALL JOINTS SEPERATED.

NHTSA complaint #10115883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,000 miles Golden Valley, MN

AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. ALSO HORN HAS NOT WORK FOR THE LAST 3,000 MILES. CAR ONLY HAS 27,000 ON IT. BOTH OF THESE SAFETY ITEMS ARE VERY COMMON FAILURES ON AUDI A4. IT TIME THAT THE NHTSA DOES SOMETHING. REMEMBER ITS: "PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE" AND NOT "NHTSA SERVING THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS."

NHTSA complaint #10112202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Audubon, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

I DETECTED A STONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. I TOOK THE VEHICK IN TWO WEEKS AGO AND WAS TOLD THAT A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AT A CRIMP, SPILLING DOWN THE WHEEL WELL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COST TO PERFROM THE REPAIR WOULD BE $950 AS THE ONLY WAY TO ADRESS THE PROBLEM WAAS TO REPLACE THE ENTILE FUEL LINE FROM FRONT TO BACK. I DECLINED THE APPROVE THE WORK AND PICKED UP THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET A SECOND OPINON. THE CUSE OF THE LEAK IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE AUDI TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10108256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Foster City, CA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME WAS CRACKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REWELDED WITH OVERLAYING METAL. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10106693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.