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1996 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 51 owner complaints about the 1996 Audi A6, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

59
CarFlaw IndexSolid year30% below the A6 median · #15 of 27 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints512 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage104kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 5, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Audi A6 has problems

51 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system380
Visibility50
Exterior lighting40
Equipment40
Air bags31
Structure21
Power train20
Vehicle speed control20
Engine and engine cooling20
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1996 Audi A6 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Ignition: switch

Recall 96V-017 · Jan 29, 1996 · 24,000 vehicles

Risk. SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS, TURN SIGNALS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LAMPS, POWER WIND0WS AND AIR CONDITIONERS CAN MALFUNCTION WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other A6 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A6 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Audi A6 safety ratings

1996 Audi A6 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What A6 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH BECAME INOPERABLE IN VARIOUS POSITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V017000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
Complaint 10893605 · Aug 5, 2016 · 125,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE ON POSITION ON ITS OWN. THE KEY REMAINED IN THE STARTING POSITION, CAUSING SEVERAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL.…
Complaint 10462253 · Jun 19, 2012 · 40,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A6. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE STARTER WOULD DISENGAGE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE…
Complaint 10263872 · Apr 1, 2009 · 149,000 miles

Own a 1996 A6?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.