NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Audi A6 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 1996 Audi A6 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 51 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Audi A6, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1996 Audi A6 owner complaints
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Audi A6, describing incidents dated June 11, 1998 to December 31, 2017.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 38 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 5 complaints
- Equipment 4 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 4 complaints
- Air Bags 3 complaints
- Engine 2 complaints
Of the 51 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11060713 · Filed
TAKATA RECALL NOTICE TO SAY AIRBAG UNSAFE
ODI #10893605 · Filed
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…
ODI #10874904 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
VW/AIR BAG GROUND CONTACT WIRE
NHTSA #97V175000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice
Reported October 8, 1997 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 39,300 vehicles
Owners notified October 13, 1997 · Vehicles built July 1, 1994 – September 30, 1996 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Electrical System — Ignition — Switch
Reported January 29, 1996 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 24,000 vehicles
Owners notified April 23, 1996 · Vehicles built January 1, 1994 – December 1, 1995 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
Safety consequence
SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS, TURN SIGNALS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LAMPS, POWER WIND0WS AND AIR CONDITIONERS CAN MALFUNCTION WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Notes
SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION; SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Audi A6 model years
Check your 1996 Audi A6 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A6 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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