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
- 51
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
80% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 51 complaints
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 | 26 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
80% · 41 reportsMost 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, 2012-06-19
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-19
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, 2002-09-13
Exterior lighting
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing switch and turn signal.
Show complaint excerpts
Visability is very poor at night due to misalignment of the headlights.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-06
Equipment
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing air conditioner and water heater.
Visibility
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing motor and linkages.
Air bags
6% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
No summary listed for above vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-21
Takata recall notice to say airbag unsafe
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-05
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1996-04-23Electrical system96V017000 Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
-
R
1997-10-13Air bags97V175000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V017000 · Electrical system
- Recall 97V175000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.