1996 Audi Cabriolet problems
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.
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Common 1996 Audi Cabriolet problems
The Audi Cabriolet 1996 is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most common issues is related to the convertible top mechanism, which may fail due to hydraulic fluid leaks or component wear. The hydraulic system that powers the convertible top can develop leaks over time, causing the top to operate slowly or not at all. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty hydraulic components or refilling the hydraulic fluid.
Another common problem with the Audi Cabriolet 1996 is related to the engine, specifically the timing belt. The timing belt is a critical component of the engine that synchronizes the movement of the pistons and valves. If the timing belt fails, it can cause significant engine damage, leading to expensive repairs. It is recommended to replace the timing belt at regular intervals to prevent failure.
The Audi Cabriolet 1996 is also known for electrical issues, particularly with the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is responsible for controlling various engine functions, and a faulty ECU can cause a range of problems, including poor engine performance, stalling, and difficulty starting. Electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose and may require the assistance of a professional mechanic.
Additionally, the Audi Cabriolet 1996 may experience problems with the fuel system, including faulty fuel pumps and clogged fuel filters. These issues can cause a range of problems, including difficulty starting the car, poor fuel economy, and stalling or hesitation while driving. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system can help prevent these issues from occurring.
Finally, the Audi Cabriolet 1996 may experience issues with the braking system, including worn brake pads and faulty brake vacuum pumps. These issues can cause a range of problems, including a weak brake pedal, difficulty stopping the car, and reduced braking performance. Regular inspection and maintenance of the braking system can help prevent these issues from occurring.
In summary, the Audi Cabriolet 1996 is known for several common problems, including issues with the convertible top mechanism, engine, electrical system, fuel system, and braking system. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these issues from occurring, and prompt repair is essential to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
1996 Audi Cabriolet car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Cabriolet problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Audi Cabriolet vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Audi Cabriolet complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Audi Cabriolet.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-18
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-27
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-07
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-12
- VIN: WAUAA88GXTA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE STARTER TO "BURN" OUT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND CAUSED STARTER TO BURN OUT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-02
- VIN: WAUAA88G9TA
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HEADLIGHTS/ LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS/HORN/ WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND POWER WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
1996 Audi Cabriolet recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Audi Cabriolet.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS, TURN SIGNALS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LAMPS, POWER WIND0WS AND AIR CONDITIONERS CAN MALFUNCTION WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Other years of Audi Cabriolet
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