Audi Cabriolet problems

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The Audi Coupé was a liftback coupé version of the Audi 80, first shown in 1980. The bodywork was shared with the Audi Quattro. The second generation Coupé arrived in late 1988 and was based on the B3 Audi 80, albeit with a different suspension. The Coupé remained in production until the end of 1996 and spawned the Audi S2 series of sports versions. A convertible model arrived in 1991, called simply the Cabriolet, and remained in production until 2000.

Coupé B2 (1980)

The Audi Coupé (B2, Typ 81/85) was a two-door coupé produced and sold by Audi from 1980 to 1988. It was offered as a less expensive version of its turbocharged, permanent four-wheel drive Audi Quattro without turbocharger(s) or four wheel drive. Later, quattro was added as an option (Typ 85). Typ 81 was the internal model code for front-wheel drive Audi Coupés.

The Coupé, first displayed at the Paris Salon 1980, featured a similar body shape to the Quattro, but without the knife-edged fender flares of the more expensive car. Mechanically, the biggest changes from the Quattro to the Coupé were the use of a naturally aspirated 1.9-litre carburettor petrol engine, 2.0-litre, 2.1-, 2.2-, or 2.3-litre fuel injected inline five-cylinder engine and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. Some lesser Coupés were also fitted with a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine, injected or carburetted, and for the very first year of production a 1.6-litre "YN" 75 PS (55 kW) engine was available. The short-lived 1.6 was the only Coupé not to be fitted with a black rear spoiler.

The Coupé was available as just plain "Coupé" or GL (four-cylinders only), "Coupé GT", and "Coupé quattro" (without the GT tag). From 1986 until the end of production in late 1988, the Coupé GT was also available with the 110–112 PS (81–82 kW) 1.8-litre PV/DZ inline-four best known from the Golf GTi. For the last model year, the new 2309 cc "NG" five cylinder was available, offering 136 PS (100 kW) at 5600 rpm. This engine became available during 1987 for the last of the Audi Coupés sold in the US, where it produced 130 hp (97 kW) at 5,700 rpm as opposed to the 110 hp (82 kW) at 5500 rpm available from the 2.2-litre five which had been used since the facelift for model year 1985. The Coupé had originally gone on sale in the US late in model year 1981 with the 100 hp (75 kW) 2144 cc five-cylinder also used in the 5000 (Audi 100).

For the 1983 model year, European models switched from having two separate headlamps to large integrated Bosch units. Apart from changing the appearance, this also provided improved aerodynamics and better lighting.

photo of Audi Cabriolet car production

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Audi Cabriolet model years

audi cabriolet 2003 photo
Cabriolet 2003
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5

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0

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audi cabriolet 2000 photo
Cabriolet 2000
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1

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  • 5
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audi cabriolet 1998 photo
Cabriolet 1998
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1

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  • 5
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audi cabriolet 1997 photo
Cabriolet 1997
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audi cabriolet 1996 photo
Cabriolet 1996
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8

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  • 5
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  • 1
audi cabriolet 1995 photo
Cabriolet 1995
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3

3

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  • 5
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  • 1
audi cabriolet 1994 photo
Cabriolet 1994
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Common Audi Cabriolet problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Audi Cabriolet, here are some common problems associated with this car:

  • Oil Leaks: Some owners have experienced oil leaks from the engine, which can be caused by faulty gaskets, worn-out seals, or damaged oil pans. Oil leaks can result in low oil levels, potentially leading to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Suspension Problems: The Cabriolet's suspension system is prone to wear and tear, manifesting as clunking or rattling noises, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. Common causes include worn-out shock absorbers, damaged control arms, and worn-out bushings.
  • Cooling System Issues: Owners have reported cooling system problems such as coolant leaks, overheating, and faulty thermostats. Failure to address these issues promptly can lead to engine damage.
  • Brake Problems: The Cabriolet's brakes can experience issues like brake noise, uneven wear, and a soft or spongy pedal. These problems can be attributed to worn-out brake pads, damaged rotors, or malfunctioning brake lines.
  • Transmission Issues: Some owners have encountered transmission problems like slipping, hard shifting, or failure to shift properly. These issues can be caused by worn-out or damaged transmission components, low fluid levels, or a faulty transmission control module.

These common problems with the Audi Cabriolet highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into more serious and costly problems in the long run.

Audi Cabriolet

Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi Cabriolet years

We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi Cabriolet cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Audi Cabriolet model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi Cabriolet model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi Cabriolet years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Audi Cabriolet car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Audi Cabriolet , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Structure problems
  • Equipment problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Audi Cabriolet vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cabriolet model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Cabriolet model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi Cabriolet . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi Cabriolet vehicles.

List of Audi Cabriolet complaints

Audi Cabriolet 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-01-02
  • Date Complaint: 2012-05-23
  • VIN: WAUAC48H53K
  • Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT,ENGINE
  • Summary: I PURCHASED AN AUDI BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING QUALITY. I HAVE A BROKEN HING ON MY GLOVE BOX THAT RARELY IS USED (EST $450), OIL LEAK FROM A CAM SHAFT CHAIN ADJUSTER SEAL (EST $517), BROKEN TRUNK BIN (EST $675), AND NOW A RADIO THAT DOESN'T WORK AND AUDI WANTS ($1,900) SO I CAN GET RADIO RECEPTION. I AM SHOCKED THESE ITEMS HAVE ALREADY WORN OUT ON A CAR THAT HAS ONLY 50,500 MILES AND IS ONLY USED FOR PLEASURE. *TT
Audi Cabriolet 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-03-10
  • Date Complaint: 2011-01-11
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET 3.0 WITH CVS TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED ONE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF OVER 7,500 DOLLARS. THE CAR ONLY HAD 65,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY AUDI DEALERSHIP IN TORONTO , CANADA. THE DEALER TRIED TO GET OUT OF PAYING FOR THE REPAIR AND AFTER SEVERAL ARGUMENTS ONLY PARTIALLY COVERED THE COSTS. THE CAR NOW HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT AND AGAIN I AM EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE PRND LIGHTS FLASH BACK AND FORTH AND THE TRANSMISSION IS WINING AND SHAKY AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. OBVIOUSLY AUDI HAS DONE A POOR JOB OF DESIGNING THIS TRANSMISSION AND REPAIR COSTS ARE RIDICULOUS. I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH DASH BOARD LIGHTS , BRAKE LIGHTS BURNING OUT REGULARLY AND POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED. MY ADVICE. DON'T BUT AN AUDI UNLESS YOU PLAN ON SELLING IT BEFORE THE WARRANTY IS UP AND IF YOU LIKE SARCASTIC TREATMENT AT DEALERSHIP LEVEL THEN THESE CARS ARE FOR YOU. *TR
Audi Cabriolet 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-07-13
  • Date Complaint: 2010-07-16
  • VIN: WAUAT48H23K
  • Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIO. VERY LOW MILEAGE, LOW USE. REAR WINDOW DELAMINATES FROM CANVAS ROOF, RAIN WATER COMES IN & SHORTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-07-18
  • Date Complaint: 2007-07-20
  • VIN: WAUAA88G5TA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION SWITCH IS BAD. CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: TURN SIGNAL FAILURE, A/C FAILURE, POWER WINDOWS FAILURE, HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE OCCUR WHEN CAR IS STARTED. *TR
Audi Cabriolet 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-10
  • Date Complaint: 2006-05-06
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHEN THIS CARS GAS TANK GOES BELOW A HALF TANK, THE GAS CHAMBER DOES NOT ALLOW GAS TO FLOW INTO THE TANK. FOR SOME REASON,THE GAS PUMP RELEASES OR WORSE THE FUEL OVERFLOWS. THE SAFETY OR RISK HERE IS THAT ONE CAN GET STRANDED, BE IN A STRANGE TOWN, FAR FROM HOME LATE AT NIGHT, WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO FILL THE TANK. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO MY LOCAL DEALER ON MANY OCCASIONS BUT WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. *JB
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 2005-10-04
  • VIN: WAUAA88G4TA
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DT: THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE LATCH BROKE INSIDE THE DOOR. ALL THE OTHER MECHANISMS WORKED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ON APRIL OF 2005. THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE LATCH WITHOUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS STILL NOT GUARANTEEING THAT THEY COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-27
  • Date Complaint: 2005-01-04
  • VIN: WAUAA88G8TN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. *AK
Audi Cabriolet 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-14
  • Date Complaint: 2003-11-13
  • VIN: WAUAT48H43K
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET STEERING WAS EXTREMELY NOISY FROM DATE OF PURCHASE ON. GRADUALLY GOT WORSE. STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED BY AUDI SERVICE 3 TIMES TO NO AVAIL. AT ONE POINT, A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING CAUSED DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. AUDI MECHANICS AND DEALER ADMITTED TO FAULTY POWER STEERING IN SOME A4 CABRIOLET MODELS BUT WILL NOT OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE. AFTER ALMOST 4 MONTHS I'M STILL WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT CAR. *LA
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-06-07
  • Date Complaint: 2003-11-05
  • VIN: WAUAA88G9TA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. *AK WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS, IT AFFECTS THE WIPERS, RADIO, LIGHTS AND WINDOWS. *PH
Audi Cabriolet 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-16
  • Date Complaint: 2003-10-01
  • VIN: WAUAA88G8VN
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND FAILED TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION, WHICH CREATED EXCESSIVE SPEED. *AK *JB
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-01
  • VIN: WAUAA88G0TN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WORK, BUT THE IGNITION DOES NOT START. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK. A DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE STARTER TO REMAIN ENGAGED. *TS *JB
Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-07-12
  • Date Complaint: 2003-07-14
  • VIN: WAUAA88GXTA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE STARTER TO "BURN" OUT.*AK
Audi Cabriolet 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-12-27
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-09
  • VIN: WAUAA88G0VN
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING LINKAGE FAILED. WHILE PULLING OUT ODF A DRIVEWAY, THE LINKAGE BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND RACK BROKE RENDERING THE CAR UNSTEERABLE. THE STEERING WHEELL SIMPLE SPUN. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT OCCUR AT HIGH SPEED. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT SAID IT WAS " NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE HIGH MILEAGE AND IS MAINTAINED BY AUDI. I HAVE THE BROKEN PART FOR YOUR INSPECTION. IT IS BROKEN IN TWO.
Audi Cabriolet 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2001-10-26
  • VIN: WAUBL88G7RA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN 1997 UNDER NHTSA RECALL 96V017000 BY A DEALER IN WISCONSIN, BEHM MOTORS, APPLETON, WI. THERE WAS NO APPARENT PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL IGNITION SWITCH, PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACED SWITCH IS NOW MALFUNCTIONING EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN. ALSO, THE 1997 AUDI A4 WAS SUBJECT TO NHTSA RECALL #00V31700 FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE 1994 AUDI SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO ANOTHER RECALL. THE DEALER ESTMATED COST OF THIS REPAIR IS $186. A. *AK
Audi Cabriolet 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-10-23
  • VIN: WAUAA88G45A
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: BACK WINDOW VISABILITY HAZEY AND YELLOW, CAN'T SEE THRU IT WELL AT ALL AND GETTING WORSE.

Latest 5 recalls Audi Cabriolet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Audi Cabriolet.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Audi Cabriolet 1994
  • Report Received Date: 1998-12-23
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FUEL INJECTORS.
  • Model: Audi Cabriolet 1995
  • Report Received Date: 1998-12-23
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FUEL INJECTORS.
  • Model: Audi Cabriolet 1997
  • Report Received Date: 1997-10-08
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
  • Model: Audi Cabriolet 1995
  • Report Received Date: 1997-10-08
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
  • Model: Audi Cabriolet 1996
  • Report Received Date: 1997-10-08
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

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Audi Cabriolet photo