1996 Audi A4 Electrical Problems

Which parts fail

• Ignition › Switch
  17
• Ignition
  4
• Starter assembly
  2
• Horn
  2
• Starter assembly › Relay
  1
• Ignition › Module
  1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  18%
• 25k–50k
  00%
• 50k–75k
  431%
• 75k–100k
  323%
• 100k–150k
  323%
• 150k+
  215%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Audi A4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

There were no crashes and no injuries related to this incident. I purchased a 1996 Audi A4 quattro, VIN [redacted], 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, NHTSA 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. …

I own an 1996 Audi A4. Recently, my headlights and taillights have stopped functioning all together at various times. Sometimes they work fine the next minute they wouldn't. One night I almost got rear-ended by another car because my rear taillights were not illuminated. So I took the car to Audi to get the problem taken care of. When I went to Audi, they told me I have a bad ignition switch and said the problem would probably be taken care of with the replacement of the switch. I got the work done and then went on the internet to check any recalls from the NHTSA. A recall #00V317000 came up and described the exact problem I had with my Audi. However, when I called the dealer and Audi they told me the recall did not apply to my VIN #. …

I have 1996 Audi A4 and experiencing the same recall problem as NHTSA campaign id number: 06V403000, which is not able to return the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. This condition causing electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative increasing the risk of a crash. I see the following recall on your website. But when I contact Audi at [phone], they says my 1996 Audi A4 is not qualified for this recall. Vehicle make / model: model year(s): Audi / A4 1996-1997 manufacturer: Volkswagen of America, inc mfr's report date: oct 20, 2006 NHTSA campaign id number: 06V403000 n/a NHTSA action number: n/a component: electrical system:ignition:switch potential number of units affected: 28594.

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicles starter completely failed on two occasions. The first time, the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, who replaced the starter. The vehicle was driven back to the contacts residence with no problems. That same day, the contact attempted to start the vehicle and the starter failed again. The vehicle was pushed to the nearby independent repair shop, who determined that the ignition switch was defective, and was the cause for the burnt starter. The contact researched the problem online, and noticed an NHTSA recall #00V317000 regarding, electrical system: ignition: switch. On 10/13/06, the manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the vehicle was included in the recall, but the period to have the recall work performed had expired.

Tl contact owns a 1996 Audi A4. The contact heard a loud squealing noise outside the vehicle when he started the ignition. The RPM's increased and the ignition key failed to return to the engine running position. Immediately, the ignition key was turned manually to the "on" position to resume normal operation. In addition, the windshield wipers and headlights became inoperative without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and NHTSA campaign id number 06V403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) was referenced. The failures were identical, but the VIN was excluded from the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 132,000.

I own a 1996 Audi A4. The horn has intermittently worked since I've owned the vehicle - since 1999. I've tried on numerous occasions to have various dealers fix the problem since there is an outstanding recall notice for the horn assembly (campaign: 96V088000) but I'm now finally told that my VIN does not fall into the appropriate range. However, the description of the 1996 Audi A4 problem matches my problem exactly. I was told by a dealer years ago that to fix the problem, I would need to replace the leather steering wheel, which would cost approximately $1,000. My VIN should be included in this recall notice. Please advise.

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

I had a problem identical to the problem described in NHTSA campaign id 00V317000. I had to have the ignition switch replaced and subsequently had to also replace the headlight control assembly as well. 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

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

Tl contact owns a 1996 Audi A4. The contact stated that his keys were stuck in the ignition. His VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 06V403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The failure and current mileages were less than 200,000. Updated 12-08-08 updated 12/10/08.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Electrical complaints in other A4 years