1996-2000 Audi A4 Braking in Wet Weather Investigation
NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE00016 to investigate reports of degraded braking performance in wet weather conditions on 1996-2000 Audi A4 models. This issue was specifically linked to the vehicle's electrical system. The investigation has since been closed.
Gilt auch für
- Audi A4
- 1997–2000
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated Preliminary Evaluation PE00016 to examine a potential safety concern in 1996-2000 Audi A4 models. This 1996 Audi A4 investigation focused on reports from vehicle owners regarding degraded braking performance, specifically when driving in wet weather conditions. The issue was identified as potentially stemming from the vehicle's electrical system.
NHTSA's Findings So Far
Preliminary Evaluation PE00016 was opened to assess the nature and scope of the reported braking degradation. While a detailed summary of the findings is not currently available, the investigation's subject clearly indicates concerns about the vehicle's ability to maintain effective braking in adverse weather. The focus on the electrical system suggests a potential malfunction or design characteristic affecting brake system components or their control under wet conditions.
Scope of the Investigation
This 1996 Audi A4 investigation, identified as PE00016, covered Audi A4 vehicles from model years 1996 through 2000. As a Preliminary Evaluation (PE), it was the initial stage of NHTSA's defect investigation process, aimed at determining if a safety-related defect trend exists that warrants further action, such as an Engineering Analysis or a recall. The specific number of complaints or affected units is not detailed in the available information.
Status of the Investigation
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE00016 regarding the degraded braking in wet weather condition for the 1996-2000 Audi A4 has been closed. This means that NHTSA concluded its initial assessment of the issue. The closure of a Preliminary Evaluation can occur for various reasons, including a determination that no safety defect trend exists, or that the issue does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
What It Could Mean for Owners
Owners of 1996-2000 Audi A4 vehicles should remain vigilant about their vehicle's braking performance, especially in wet conditions. While the 1996 Audi A4 investigation is closed, any unexpected changes in braking feel, stopping distance, or the illumination of warning lights related to the braking or electrical system should be promptly addressed. If you experience any issues similar to the
What Audi A4 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 31 model years.
- 3,022
- Owner complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 3,248
- Service bulletins
- 115
- Crashes reported
- 51
- Fires reported
- 80
- Injuries reported
The 1996 model year
89 complaints, the 15th most of 31 model years on file. Owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury for this year, which also has 6 recalls on file.
Complaints by model year
| 1996 | 89 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 258 | |
| 1999 | 190 | |
| 2002 | 181 | |
| 2003 | 210 | |
| 2004 | 189 | |
| 2005 | 219 | |
| 2006 | 298 | |
| 2007 | 219 | |
| 2008 | 191 |
Most-reported systems
- Air Bags — 577
- Electrical System — 474
- Exterior Lighting — 369
- Service Brakes — 360
- Hydraulic — 307
Latest recalls for the 1996 model year
- 06V403000 — Electrical System (Oct 2006)
- 06E060000 — Exterior Lighting (Jun 2006)
- 06E049000 — Exterior Lighting (May 2006)
Recent owner reports
While driving west on pennsylvania rt. 401 i drove over a small bump in the road, where a drain is buried under the road, and the passenger side front lower a arm snapped in half at a speed of 45 mph causing a catastrophic failure and the car to grind to a…
Read owner complaints →I have 1996 audi a4 and experiencing the same recall problem as nhtsa campaign id number: 06v403000, which is not able to return the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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