Most common 1996 Audi A6 problems
Share of the 51 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A6 complaints by model year
Best A6 years: 2022, 2018, 2011. Years to avoid: 2019, 2012, 2016, 1999, 1998. Compare all years →
1996 Audi A6 recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
What 1996 Audi A6 owners say
Electrical system all 38 →
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
Tl 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 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.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl 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.
The car can be started and driven with the horn, directional lights, windshied wipers, and other electrical components not working. Audi (both the dealer and national) does not think it is a problem to have safety equipment inoperable. The local dealer was aware of the defect, but did not feel they needed to inform customers. The car should be recalled and the ignition system fixed.
Lights
Tl 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.
Consumer had experienced unsafe driving conditions due to improperly manufactured ignition switch. (nar) lights, head lamps, heater & ac functions, wipers and turn signals would fail unpredictably.
1996 Audi A6 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Audi A6 a good car?
Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 A6 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the A6 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Audi A6?
The electrical system — 38 complaints, 75% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (5) and lights (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Audi A6 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Audi A6, the most recent from October 8, 1997 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A6?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2018 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2012, 2016, 1999 and 1998. See the full Audi A6 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Audi A6 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 104,000 miles; 14% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.