- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Audi A8 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 Audi A8 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 2008 for the automatic transmission. For comparison, the 1995 has 0 and the 1997 has 10.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical A8 year, for its age
#327 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 Audi A8 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Audi A8 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 1996 Audi A8
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The front rotors on the 1998 audi a8 warp after very short usage. We have complained to the dealer and they have resurfaced the rotors, and the problem quickly re-occurs. This causes mild to severe steering wheel oscillation under moderate braking, causing the driver to lift up on brakes. Audi dealer, and manufacturer should replace components with adequate disc such that there is no reoccurrence. Can cause extended stopping distances and steering errors. *Ak
Audi A8: every year compared
All A8 years1996 Audi A8 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Audi A8 | 1 | 2 | A | |
| 1996 Audi A4 | 92 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Audi A6 | 54 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Audi Cabriolet | 8 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Audi Quattro | 6 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Audi S6 | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 Audi A8
Does the 1996 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Audi A8: automatic transmission (August 2008); frontal (October 1997). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Audi A8?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 1996 Audi A8 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 17, 1999 and the latest on November 17, 1999. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 Audi A8 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 76 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Audi A8 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A8 years have the most complaints?
2013 (50), 2015 (32), 2014 (18). See every Audi A8 year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Audi A8 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data