Recalls: Audi B4 Cabriolet
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi B4 Cabriolet
1995 Audi B4 Cabriolet: airbag may deploy inadvertently
In February 1998, a recall was issued for 1995 Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles due to the possibility that the driver’s side airbag may deploy inadvertently under ceratin conditions (PRA 1998/3487).
1998-99 model year Audi B4 Cabriolet: Takata airbag and vehicle buyback
In December 2019, recall campaign 69AE was issued for 1998-99 model year Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles. These recalled vehicles had Takata airbags and, over time, moisture could enter the airbag inflators and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurred, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and project metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The airbag could also under-inflate and not protect the driver as intended. As part of this recall, Audi Australia would offer to purchase the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (i.e. as determined by a third party valuer appointed by Audi). Due to the age of the vehicles, replacement airbag inflators were not available. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18002.
1999 Audi B4 Cabriolet with three-spoke steering wheel: Takata airbag recall
In November 2021, recall campaign 69CJ was issued for 1999 Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles. The propellant in the gas generator of the Takata NADI 5-AT airbag that was fitted to certain vehicles with three-spoke steering wheels may degrade over time. As a result, the driver’s airbag may deploy with reduced force and this could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-004987.
Problems and faults: Audi B4 Cabriolet
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Audi B4 Cabriolet
- For the 2.6-litre V6 engine, the rear main seal is susceptible to oil leaks.
- The cruise control may not maintain a constant speed due to a defective vacuum servo unit.
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate – without any drivability issues – if the vacuum hose to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve does not have sufficient slack.
- A rough or low idle may be due to a dirty throttle body bore and throttle control module.
- Clunking noises from the front of the vehicle when turning may be due to the heat shield on the left motor mount striking its bracket.
