1996 audi a4 - audi a4 front control arms all fail at around 100,000 miles. All 8 of mine were replaced. Audi sent out a tsb for 2 of the 8 control arms and are jerking people around with the reimbursement. They want people to prove that all scheduled maintenance was done, yet the parts in question are not repairable or serviceable. According to my audi dealer, this is an ongoing problem that hasn't gotten any better, even with the latest models. These cost between $300 - $500 each to replace for a total of $3000 for all 8. They are doing everything they can to prevent people from collecting on this and this should cover all 8, since all 8 fail instead of only 2. They should be held accountable for the letter and paperwork that I provided to them for reimbursement over 6 months ago. Every audi a4 has had this problem and continues to have this problem. Audi should have to answer for the poor design and the bogus tsb letter that they sent to owners.
1996 Audi A4: ball joint or control arm failure
19 of the 89 complaints about the 1996 Audi A4 describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 66,642
- recalls
- 0
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
While driving 10 MPH driver's side lower control arm failed. As a result, the ball joints seperated.
Front end control arms continue to be a problem. I have replaced all of them on the front end at least once. I now have another one that needs replacement. I am concerned what will happen if I don't replace it. This is a problem for all owners, and needs to be addressed by audi before someone is killed.
When vehicle reached 30,000 miles control arms dried out and created an annoying sound. A black rubber compound was added, but the noise continued.
My audi a4 had 3 times replaced front control arms , when taken to multiple dealerships , dealer pointed to design problem.
The tie rods of both front wheels were damaged. The rubber cap was broken on both and the tie rods had a lot of play at the joint underneath. The power steering pump failed causing noise when turning the steering wheel. The right front brake lamp failed.
Audi of north america recalled their 1999 model a4s for failure of the tie rods. I own a 1996 a4 with tie rods that failed and audi of north america and the dealership refused to repair the damaged tie rods under the recall notice even though the failure was exactly as outlined in the original recall notice sent to all audi dealers. I read recently in the los angeles times that an owner with a 1998 a4 experienced exactly the same problem. It appears the recall should cover all model years of the a4. I requested and saved the damaged tie rods if you would have interest in seeing them. I believe this problem presents a severe danger to operaters of this vehicle and that this problem should be addressed immediately by audi. Dt
Control rods loose according to audi dealer. Confirmed by independent repair shop. Indpt shop also noted that tie rods were also so loose they were hazardous and indicated on receipt to show audi
According to my dealer, the front control arms of my a4 is worn out at just 59000 miles. From audiworld.com, I found that there are many other a4 owners (regardless of their cars' model year) who have had to replace their control arms repeatedly (some failed within 15000miles). It seems that many dealers told many owners that this is a very common problem, and that there is a part shortage because of this. Some out-of-warranty owners claim that audi has either provided the parts free, or at half price, which makes me believe that audi realizes that this is a design defect. Many owners believe that this is a safety issue with the possibility of losing control when the vehicle is moving. This has not happened to me yet, but I am becoming increasingly concerned about this safety issue.
Front passenger control arm has been replaced and failed four times during the life of the vehicle.
Control arms on both the driver and passenger sides have failed and have been replaced three times over the life of the vehicle.
Over this past year, I have replaced 3 control arms, dealer points to design flaw.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Check/replace replace front suspension lower control arms
- Service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms
- Service action to inspect lower control arm seals
- Subject regarding noisy front suspension
- Clunking or rattling noise from one or both sides of front suspension when driving over rough roads
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Audi A4 ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1996 Audi A4?
19 of 89 owner complaints about the 1996 Audi A4 (21%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Audi A4?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Audi A4
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