AI DamageAudi Cabriolet: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Audi Cabriolet across 7 model years: 22 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 45% of all complaints
- 2 Visibility 23% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 18% of all complaints
- 4 Equipment 9% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 9% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 9% of all complaints
- 7 Engine 5% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 10 complaints (45% of all).
- Visibility: 5 complaints (23% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Structure: 4 complaints (18% of all).
- Equipment: 2 complaints (9% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1994–1998
- automatic, 4-speed 1994–1998
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 22 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While backing out of a parking lot vehicle hit another vehicle due to poor visibility in plastic convertible rear window. Dealer said it was natural wear and tear.
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 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.
Rear window delaminates from canvas roof, rain water comes in & shorts electrical system.
Causing electrical problems: turn signal failure, a/c failure, power windows failure, headlight failure. These occur when car is started.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.