1996 Audi A6
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1996 Audi A6. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Audi A6. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Some electrical accessories, such as, turn signals, windshield wipers, lamps, power wind0ws and air conditioners can malfunction when the car IS started.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Owner complaints
51 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Takata recall notice to say airbag unsafe
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. The contact stated that the ignition switch became inoperable in various positions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 96v017000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Updated 10/18/16*lj *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
- Vehicle speed control
On the morning of february 11TH 2014, my daughter was on her way to school when her vehicle began to accelerate on its own. She believes she was going between 25 and 35 miles per hour when the vehicle began to accelerate and topped out at 70 before she was able to get it to slow down. she stated…
On the morning of february 11TH 2014, my daughter was on her way to school when her vehicle began to accelerate on its own. She believes she was going between 25 and 35 miles per hour when the vehicle began to accelerate and topped out at 70 before she was able to get it to slow down. she stated to me after the incident that she had to press both feet on the brake pedal to get the car to stop. Fortunately there was no accident and she was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. I took her car to friend's house, dropped her off at school and took her vehicle to sunny side audi in middleburg ohio. They found the speed control was malfunctioning. They told me that it would be between $800 and $1000 to repair. I paid them $138.00 to disconnect the cruise control and we haven't had any continuing problems with the cruise control. the $138 isn't going to break me but then again breaking me IS why I am writing this complaint. I have given this incident a lot of thought; what could have happened, how lucky we are that my daughter didn't panic and then I realized that there are more than likely many more 1996 audi A6'S out there and who knows other audi's in general with the same cruise control set up that IS installed in our car that have or will malfunction. I am hoping that someone will look into this incident. You are more than welcome to inspect our vehicle. I was surprised by the response of the sunny side audi service department. They offered us no support or avenue for assistance for repair and treated this incident like any other vehicle repair. We were lucky it wasn't worse and we are grateful but I would like to be reimbursed and have the vehicle properly repaired. *tr
- Electrical system
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. The key remained in the starting position, causing several components to fail.…
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. The key remained in the starting position, causing several components to fail. The contact would have to turn the key back manually in order for the vehicle to remove from the starting position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection and the dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact of the same information. The failure mileage was 40,000.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. when attempting to start the vehicle, the starter would disengage. after further inspection, the contact determined that the ignition switch would not release and caused the failure. there were no warnings prior to the failure. he IS in the process of taking…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. when attempting to start the vehicle, the starter would disengage. after further inspection, the contact determined that the ignition switch would not release and caused the failure. there were no warnings prior to the failure. he IS in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and notifying the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 149,000 and current mileage was 149,063.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. the contact discovered recalls for his vehicle and the manufacturer stated that the repairs had already been performed. he asked for the repair records, but they were unavailable. the vehicle IS experiencing the same symptoms as noted in nhtsa campaign ID…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. the contact discovered recalls for his vehicle and the manufacturer stated that the repairs had already been performed. he asked for the repair records, but they were unavailable. the vehicle IS experiencing the same symptoms as noted in nhtsa campaign ID number 96v017000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the instrument panel indicators do not illuminate, and there IS a loud cracking noise. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 155,000. updated 02/10/09 *bf when the key was turned in the ignition, the ignition didn't spring back. The starter made a cracking noise when the consumer turned the key. the instrument panel indicators illuminated, but the climate control and air conditioner malfunctioned. Updated 02/11/09. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition switch gets stuck in on position causing lights, radio, wipers not to function. Starter also remains on causing burn out. *Tr
- Electrical system · Equipment · Exterior lighting · Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. the contact IS experiencing intermittent failures with the air conditioning, windshield wipers, and turn signals. based on the vin, the dealer stated that the ignition switch was replaced. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was repaired according to…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi A6. the contact IS experiencing intermittent failures with the air conditioning, windshield wipers, and turn signals. based on the vin, the dealer stated that the ignition switch was replaced. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 096v17000 in 1996. they are obligated to repair the vehicle only once. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer to have the ignition switch replaced. the failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 104,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1996 audi A6 ignition gets stuck and starter stays on. Lights, air, wipers, etc, will not work. This problem was a major recall on other audis of the same year but my vin # does not show up for some reason. *tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
I was driving an 1996 audi A6 on highway 95 in florida at about 7PM on thursday march 8, 2007. Traveling about 73 mph. The left front tires tread was separated from the tire itself. This caused me to dangerously swerve in traffic. I pulled to the side of the road and saw a great deal of damage done…
I was driving an 1996 audi A6 on highway 95 in florida at about 7PM on thursday march 8, 2007. Traveling about 73 mph. The left front tires tread was separated from the tire itself. This caused me to dangerously swerve in traffic. I pulled to the side of the road and saw a great deal of damage done to the front left side of the car, the bumper and side paneling. I called the police but they were not cooperative and did not write an accident report since the damage was done to my own car by my own car. Both front tires had to be replaced costing about $150 also there IS an estimated $4000 worth of damage done to the car. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1996 A4 headlamps and windshield wipers failed to operate. ***Nar*** *ts recall 06v403 regarding the ignition switch seems to be the cause of the headlamp and wiper failures. the 1996 A4 has been recall but not the A6. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently the turn signal, headlight, and windshield wiper fail to operate. when vehicle was maneuvered off the road and restarted, the components were functional again. a nhtsa recall, #96v017000 was performed on the vehicle years ago concerning, the ignition switch however; the problem has recurred. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch did not return automatically to the run position. the contact had to manually twist the ignition cylinder back into the correct position. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined that the remedy…
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch did not return automatically to the run position. the contact had to manually twist the ignition cylinder back into the correct position. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined that the remedy for nhtsa recall # 96v017000, which pertains to the ignition switch, had previously been performed on the vehicle in a different state. the manufacturer was notified.
- Electrical system
My 1996 audi A6 check engine light continually come on. Repeated visits to audi dealer. Spent several hundreds of $ with no sucess. I now visit them every week to have it turned off to come on again and again. I will be thinking of riding of thr car and going back to honda's. They have never failed me.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
My 1996 audi A6 has a faulty ignition switch as descirbed in nhtsa campain ID number : 96v017000, which applies to my car's model year. however my vehicle's vin number seems to fall right outside the range described by audi as the affected range, audi USA refuses to take care of the problem under…
My 1996 audi A6 has a faulty ignition switch as descirbed in nhtsa campain ID number : 96v017000, which applies to my car's model year. however my vehicle's vin number seems to fall right outside the range described by audi as the affected range, audi USA refuses to take care of the problem under their recall program. the problem IS clearly the one targeted by this recall campaign and so I suspect that audi USA delibirately understated the range of cars that are affected by the problem so as to save themselves the cost of addressing it properly and honestly. I would appreciate your investigation of this issue. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch IS causing the headlights/interior lights/heat, and windshield wipers to become inoperative. This only occurs when the key IS inserted into the ignition. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
"Check engine" light remains on despite repeated visits to the dealer. First it was diagnosed with failed "vaccum line," but three months later the same "check engine" light came back. Corrective measures have since included the change of: oxygen sensors, fuel lines, and a new battery. The light IS still permanently on, although no noticable drivability IS affected.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Climate control and turn signals do not always work upon start-up unless the ignition key IS "jiggled" into the correct position. appears to be a recurring problem with these models and unfortunately, my vin # IS just out of the origianl recall range of recall #96v0117000. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
While driving headlights came on and off on their own. then, vehicle stalled. consumer restarted vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic stated that this problem had been determined, but this vehicle was not covered under recall 96v017000 for ignition switch. Consumer informed mechanic that this problem happened more than once, and had not been resolved. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery explosion occurred. two weeks prior to battery explosion, vehicle ignition switch would not return completely from start position to run position when the engine IS started. it was necessary for the driver to manually return the key to the run position. when the key was between start and…
Battery explosion occurred. two weeks prior to battery explosion, vehicle ignition switch would not return completely from start position to run position when the engine IS started. it was necessary for the driver to manually return the key to the run position. when the key was between start and run position, turn signals and air conditioning would not operate. when turning the ignition switch to start the vehicle on august 4, 2004, battery exploded. battery in this vehicle IS positioned underneath rear seat passenger side. vehicle IS currently being diagnosed for root cause of battery explosion at local non-audi service center.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Water heater · Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Turn signal · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
Consumer had experienced unsafe driving conditions due to improperly manufactured ignition switch. (nar) *lab lights, head lamps, heater & ac functions, wipers and turn signals would fail unpredictably. *cb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in nhtsa recall 96v017000. defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured, and could cause some electrical accessories to malfunction. *ak starter stayed engaged when vehicle was already running. *la
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer vehicle's experienced the same problem as stated in nhtsa recall 96v017000. defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured, and could cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.*ak the starter remained engaged when the vehicle was running. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch IS experiencing the problem and consequence described in ignition switch recall 96v01700. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10164518This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10163501This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128399Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10128222Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support dealers in USA and Canada.
- 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10127856This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
- 10124898This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
- 10124751Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
- 10124690This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
- 10123901Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center
- 10123882Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123764Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123587Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10122766Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation. The headlight circulation system allows air from the outside to flow through the headlights. This open waterprotected ventilation system (needed for pressure compensation) creates different climate zones in the headlight: very warm areas, where the lens is warmed up by the light, and relatively cool areas, where the lens is cooled own by the air flow. Considerable differences in humidity and temperature between the inside and the outside of the headlights, even while driving, can lead to condensation. This is especially true in cold and wet weather, but it can also happen after a car wash, after steam cleaning the engine or the front end, with overnight temperature changes, etc. This phenomenon is more visible on lenses made of clear glass than on lenses with patterns. The moisture does not affect the headlight function (light performance) and does not lead to corrosion or other damage to headlight parts.
- 10122524Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 10122415Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10121408Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel bolts. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to attain the correct wheel bolt torque and follow the proper wheel tightening procedure as outlined in Elsa. Proper use of a calibrated torque wrench ensures that all wheel bolts are tightened equally and reduces the chances of repeat repairs. Using methods other than a calibrated torque wrench to attain correct wheel bolt torque may lead to problems.
- 10121365Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating process has completed. As a result, the socket can become inoperative when used as a power outlet.
- 10120682Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. This bulletin applies only to non-diesel engines.
- 10120003Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens.
- 10058584Audi: engine, on some vehicles, would run irregularly or have malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on or possible filter element for camshaft adjustment valve can loosen and in oil circuit, there IS no damage from loosened particles. Model all. All years.
- 10054859Audi: on certain vehicles, use calibrated torque wrench and not torque sticks, torque extension bars and impact guns/wrenches not approved for usage on wheel bolts by manufacturer, that can cause damage to brake, steering wheel, hub. Model 1995-2014 all.
- 10032250Audio: exterior lights, moisture accumulation. Condensation IS visible on the inside of headlights, taillights, fog lights, side marker lights, front turn signal or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation.
- 10027923Audi: wheel bolts require torque adjustment. Torque sticks and torque extension bars are not approved by audi of america, inc. And should not be used to apply torque to wheel bolts. All audi models included.
- 10025703Exterior lights, mositure accumulation.
- 10023948Exterior lights, moisture accumulation.
- 10022141Headlight aiming, using hella universal beamsetter.
- 600930Replacing damaged clips for front bumper.
- 52641ABS light (K47) on due to battery jumping/charging.
- 46406The model listed above will be equipped. With a new 'interior profile' key and lock system.
Every Audi A6 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.