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1996 Audi A8 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Audi A8 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical A8 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
23
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1996 Audi A8 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    1

Recalls 2

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 14, 2008 · 13,900 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
Risk
This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at 1‑800‑822‑2834.

Recall number 08V397000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported October 8, 1997 · 39,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Risk
Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.

Recall number 97V175000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Audi A8

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Audi A8 23

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 23 bulletins for the 1996 Audi A8

What 1996 Audi A8 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Brakes · TX

The front rotors on the 1998 audi a8 warp after very short usage. We have complained to the dealer and they have resurfaced the rotors, and the problem quickly re-occurs. This causes mild to severe steering wheel oscillation under moderate braking, causing the driver to lift up on brakes. Audi dealer, and manufacturer should replace components with adequate disc such that there is no reoccurrence. Can cause extended stopping distances and steering errors.

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Questions about the 1996 Audi A8

Is the 1996 Audi A8 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 Audi A8, fewer than a typical A8 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Audi A8?

Brakes, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 1996 Audi A8 have?

2 recalls, covering power train and air bags.

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