Ignition Switch problems of the 1996 Audi A4

The contact owns a 1996 Audi A4. The contact stated that his keys were stuck in the ignition. His VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 06v403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The failure and current mileages were less than 200,000. Updated 12-08-08 updated 12/10/08.

1996 Audi A4 customer had replaced the ignition switch than a week later he received a recall letter. Customer submitted the paper to Audi and was given half payment customer would like full reimbursement*.

Problem with ignition switch causing the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine, also causing electrical accessories to become inoperative and running down the battery. There was a recall concerning the ignition switch on the exact same year (1996) and model (Audi A4) and regarding the exact same ignition problem. I have spoken with the dealers service department and the manufacturer concerning this problem. The recall they claim does not include my VIN number. However, my car is a 1996 Audi A4 and my vehicle is having the exact same safety problem covered under the recall. The recall #00v317000.

Although the ignition switch of my 1996 Audi A4 was replaced under recall in August 2001, it has the same failure almost exactly 4 years later. The switch neither allows the car to completely shut off nor allows the wipers, lights and indicators to function.

I own an 1996 Audi A4. Recently, my headlights and taillights have stopped functioning all together at various times. Sometimes they work fine the next minute they wouldn't. One night I almost got rear-ended by another car because my rear taillights were not illuminated. So I took the car to Audi to get the problem taken care of. When I went to Audi, they told me I have a bad ignition switch and said the problem would probably be taken care of with the replacement of the switch. I got the work done and then went on the internet to check any recalls from the NHTSA. A recall #00v317000 came up and described the exact problem I had with my Audi. However, when I called the dealer and Audi they told me the recall did not apply to my VIN #. I found it hard to believe that this hazard was taken care of for a select number of cars but there are still cars out on the roadway that have the same exact problem. I think Audi would have been much more likely to pay for the repairs if that Ford f250 super duty would have placed its v-8 in my passenger's seat as it almost did. It was an awful close call for me and I am having a huge problem with Audi not taking responsibility for their defects.

I had a problem identical to the problem described in NHTSA campaign id 00v317000. I had to have the ignition switch replaced and subsequently had to also replace the headlight control assembly as well. Audi USA said that my vehicle was not covered as part of the current campaign. However, I've seen numerous postings on the Audi chat boards from people in my exact position (same problem, same year car - but Audi USA says they're not covered). Seems like it's a little screwy. Please confirm reciept of this message and let me know if there are any next steps I should take. Thanks much.

Vehicle exhibited same problem as described in recall campaign 01v317000. Exterior lights fail to function if key in ignition was not manually turned backwards by driver. Manufacturer informed consumer that vehicle was not affected by the above mentioned recall. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

00 v 317 000/ignition switch: the ignition switch will not return to the running position after starting the vehicle. The consumer would have to manually turn the switch back after starting the vehicle. The consumer noticed the recall on the NHTSA website and notified her dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that her vehicle identification number was not covered under the recall.

Recall 00v317000; plastic ignition switch housing has fractured at return anchor point, vehicle has developed exact symptoms listed in recall(00v317) summary. Vehicle not selected for recall due to VIN.