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1996 Audi CabrioletProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1996 Audi Cabriolet, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints80 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage85kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 20, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Audi Cabriolet has problems

8 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 system70
Exterior lighting10
Structure10
Visibility10

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

2 recalls

1996 Audi Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'00'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Cabriolet owners report

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

IGNITION SWITCH IS BAD. CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: TURN SIGNAL FAILURE, A/C FAILURE, POWER WINDOWS FAILURE, HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE OCCUR WHEN CAR IS STARTED. *TR
Complaint 10197024 · Jul 20, 2007
NHTSA RECALL 96V017000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. *AK
Complaint 10106724 · Jan 4, 2005
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WORK, BUT THE IGNITION DOES NOT START. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK. A DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE STARTER TO REMAIN ENGAGED. *TS *JB
Complaint 10027109 · Aug 1, 2003 · 38,900 miles

Own a 1996 Cabriolet?

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