Audi Cabriolet Problems by Year

We compared every Audi Cabriolet model year from 1995–2003 using 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No Cabriolet year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 1995.

3model years
16complaints
3recalls
—worst years
1995best years

Complaints by model year

199519962003385
Owner complaints per model year, Audi Cabriolet. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20035typical—BodyAverage
199681.3×2ElectricalAverage
19953−33%3ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Cabriolet year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Audi Cabriolet problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 1996
    956%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    425%
  • Body & structureworst: 2003
    319%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1995
    16%
  • Lightsworst: 1996
    16%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    16%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2003
    16%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    16%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2003
    16%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2003
    16%

Latest Audi Cabriolet recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system

NHTSA recall 98V-332 · Dec 23, 1998 · 37,200 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines. An internal seal of the fuel injector can malfunction, allowing fuel leakage in the engine compartment.

Remedy: Dealers will replace all fuel injectors.

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.

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 96V-017 · Jan 29, 1996 · 24,000 vehicles

Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

All 3 Audi Cabriolet recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Audi Cabriolet should you avoid?

None of the Audi Cabriolet years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Audi Cabriolet?

1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cabriolet years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Audi Cabriolet problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (9), windows, wipers & sunroof (4) and body & structure (3). Electrical complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the Audi Cabriolet had?

3 recalls across 1995–2003. The model year with the most is 1995. See all Audi Cabriolet recalls by year.

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.