1996 Audi A6
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 51 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 113 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 66 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2005 | 91 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 114 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
80% of complaints: electrical system — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120619
IGNITION SWITCH WOULD FAIL TO GO INTO ORIGINAL POSITION. ALL THE ACCESORIES WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE. STARTER WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS FAILURE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020919
MFR# KB & NHTSA# 96 V 017 000/IGNITION SWITCH: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MALFUNCTION OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS THE HEAD LIGHT, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. DEALER CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020913
12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.
Show complaint excerpts
VISABILITY IS VERY POOR AT NIGHT DUE TO MISALIGNMENT OF THE HEADLIGHTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961106
10% of complaints: equipment — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner and water heater.
10% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and linkages.
6% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010821
TAKATA RECALL NOTICE TO SAY AIRBAG UNSAFE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180105
SAFETY TIMELINE
DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V017000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Campaign 97V175000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V017000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V175000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Audi A6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Audi A6 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Audi A6?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 80% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Audi A6 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.