Most common 1996 Audi Cabriolet problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi Cabriolet complaints by model year
Best Cabriolet years: 1995. Compare all years →
1996 Audi Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet owners say
Electrical system
This vehicle experienced same ignition switch defect as stated in recall 96 v 017 000; but this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN. When the ignition switch fails, it affects the wipers, radio, lights and windows.
NHTSA recall 96V017000 concerning ignition switch. This vehicle was not included in the recall, but experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall regarding ignition switch failure.
1996 Audi Cabriolet engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Audi Cabriolet a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Cabriolet rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 88% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the lights (1) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Audi Cabriolet have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Audi Cabriolet, 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 Cabriolet?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995. See the full Audi Cabriolet years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Audi Cabriolet problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 25% 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.