1996 Audi A8 Problems & Complaints

Average67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 at the same age

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 Audi A8 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the A8 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the brakes (1 complaint). 2 recalls cover this model year.

1complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1996 Audi A8 problems

  • Brakes
    1100%

Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A8 complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’241104936206648515114918311181435
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A8. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →

1996 Audi A8 recalls (2)

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 08V-397 · Aug 14, 2008 · 13,900 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 97V-175 · Oct 8, 1997 · 39,300 vehicles

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 Audi A8 a good car?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the 1996 A8 rates average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 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 A8?

The brakes — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor.

How many recalls does the 1996 Audi A8 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Audi A8, the most recent from August 14, 2008 (automatic transmission). 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 A8?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.

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.