1996 Audi A6 problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1996 Audi A6 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1996 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Q: What gas mileage does the 1996 Audi A6 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Audi A6 at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 23 highway).

1996 Audi A6 at a glance

Safety recalls2

Owner complaints54

Combined19 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Audi A6 recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #96V017000 · 29/01/1996

DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #97V175000 · 08/10/1997

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Audi A6 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

Visibility

Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1996 Audi A6 MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg

City17 mpg

Highway23 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Audi A6 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000

Fuel only$20,000

Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1996 Audi A6 trims & engines on record

Trims

2.8 quattro

Engines

2.8L 6-cyl 172 hp

1996 Audi A6 vehicles on record

1996 Audi A6 2.8 quattroWAUGA84A6TN026295

Other Audi A6 model years

1996 Audi A6 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Audi A6 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1996 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Audi A6?

Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Audi A6 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Audi A6 at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 23 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.