The error code B200096 in a 2016 Audi A5 typically indicates an issue related to the vehicle's airbag system, specifically pointing towards a malfunction within the passenger occupancy sensor circuit. This problem can manifest as the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard, potentially accompanied by other warning lights. The frequency and severity of the issue can vary, but the presence of this error code generally means the system has detected an anomaly that could affect the airbag's deployment in the event of an accident. This situation does not usually affect the vehicle's drivability but significantly impacts passenger safety by potentially disabling the passenger airbag.

The root cause of this error code can often be traced back to a faulty passenger occupancy sensor, damaged wiring or connectors within the sensor circuit, or a malfunctioning airbag control module. The passenger occupancy sensor is designed to detect the presence and weight of a passenger in the front seat to determine whether the passenger airbag should be enabled or disabled during a collision. A failure in this system compromises the airbag's ability to deploy correctly, putting passengers at risk. Ignoring this issue could lead to the airbag not deploying in an accident or deploying unexpectedly, both of which pose serious safety hazards.