Check a VIN

1996 Audi A4 electrical complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 26 of 26, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Audi A4 electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 22, 2005 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · CA

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 federal safety agency website and notified her dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that her vehicle identification number was not covered under the recall.

Filed Oct 4, 2004 · Electrical · 98,238 miles · OH

There were no crashes and no injuries related to this incident. I purchased a 1996 audi a4 quattro, VIN [xxx], used on february 7, 2004. On the incident date the ingition switch failed causing damage to the starter motor. The vehicle was taken to our service dealer, midwestern auto group, dublin, ohio where the problem was diagnosed as a failure of the ingition switch housing. This is the exact same failure that initiated a recall campaign, the federal safety agency campaign id# 00v317000 (audi campaign code le). The dealer researched the audi database and discovered that the recall campaign was completed on this vehicle in 2001. Subsequently, the audi manufacturers representative, to the displeasure of the dealer, has denied any claim on this incident pertaining to the recall. The representative stated that it is audi's policy that once a recall has been completed on a vehicle, it will not honor any further claims even if the problem is exactly the same. A call to the audi consumer advocate department confirmed this policy, incident # [xxx]. Two issues surface because of this incident. The first issue is the adequacy of the solution to the initial recall. The second issue is audi's response and policy concerning identical failures of components addressed in a previous recall campaign.the parts are being replaced at my cost and will be retained along with the service invoice. Updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 17, 2003 · Electrical · CA

When trying to start the vehicle, the ignition would not turn. *ak the starter failure was a direct result of the ignition switch. Recall# 00v317000. This was confirmed by the dealer. *scc

Filed May 29, 2003 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · MA

Seat heater on driver's side malfunctioned and burned a hole through the leather seat cover. Hot burning sensation on my leg.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · 66,000 miles · CA

I had a problem identical to the problem described in the federal safety agency campaign id 00v317000. I had to have the ignition switch replaced and subsequently had to also replace the headlight control assembly as well.*jb audi USA said that my vehicle was not covered as part of the current campaign. However, I've seen numerous postings on the audi chat boards from people in my exact position (same problem, same year car - but audi USA says they're not covered). Seems like it's a little screwy. Please confirm reciept of this message and let me know if there are any next steps I should take. Thanks much

Filed Jan 3, 2003 · Electrical · 10,000 miles · CT

My horn has failed once per year for the 6+ years I have owned it. Audi (manufacturer) has replaced horn under warranty each time, and reimbursed me for the replacement one time (out of warranty). I just discovered that there was a recall for some vins for my car (1996 audi a4 quattro) for the exact problem I have been having. Recall is 96v088000. But manufacturer claims that the recall doesn't cover my car. Obviously is should, since I am suffering (have been suffering) from the exact same problem for 6 years. Something needs to be done to expand this recall to cars through, at least, my VIN, as the recall isn't wide enough. Ts

Filed Apr 23, 2002 · Electrical · AZ

While driving 35 MPH and without warning rpms dropped and vehicle started to buck violently. Mechanic has replaced both starter and ignition switch with in 2-month period. Consumer stated problem was still occurring.

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Electrical · TN

Vehicle exhibited same problem as described in recall campaign 01v317000. Exterior lights fail to function if key in ignition was not manually turned backwards by driver. Manufacturer informed consumer that vehicle was not affected by the above mentioned recall. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Electrical · CO

Defect is covered under campaign 00v317000; my vehicle fits manufacturer/make/model/year, however it doesn't fall within the VIN range the dealer is checking - I was charged for the recall item. This is a request for enforcement of recall, and subsequent reimbursment from the dealer on charges wrongfully incurred.

Filed Jul 12, 2001 · Electrical, Steering · TN

Absolutely the worst car I have ever bought I have spent over $6000 in repairs and gone just 40k miles! Stay away from this car when I called the 1-800 line they were no help and customer service refused to let me speak with anybody in a higher postion. When I said can I write a letter they said sure but it comes to us and the decision is final about your warrantty defects. No safety defect listed.

Filed Apr 24, 2001 · Electrical · NM

Ignition switch failed and caused starter to go. Vehicle wouldn't start at all. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Electrical · MD

Recall 00v317000; plastic ignition switch housing has fractured at return anchor point, vehicle has developed exact symptoms listed in recall(00v317) summary. Vehicle not selected for recall due to VIN. *ak

Filed Dec 9, 2000 · Electrical · VA

Contacted local dealer and audi USA about problem and informed them about the recall (the federal safety agency campaign id no. 00v317000). I was inform that my cars VIN was not on their list to be repair for this recall. I tried to explain to them my car was built in 5/1996 and was having the same problem.

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Problems is with electrical system/ suspension and air conditioning system. Dealership is aware of the problems.

Filed Jul 24, 2000 · Electrical · MD

Ignition switch was still on when consumer started vehicle. Also, starter didn't return back when engaged from the switch, and air conditioner was blowing slowy and there was a smell coming fron the air conditioner. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership. Mechanic told conssumer that he needed an evaporator , and it was leaking coolant.

Filed Oct 18, 1999 · Electrical · MD

Ignition switch did not return from starter engaged position, starter stayed engaged which lead to its failure after problem occured several times. Also, headlights, turn signals and A/C system did not work. Apparently other models of audis were subject to a safety recall for the same problem. Why not the a4? Repair cost: $800.00.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1996 Audi A4?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history