- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- The risk
- The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Audi A4 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 1997 Audi A4 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (34) and the suspension (19). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in July 2022 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1996 has 92 and the 1998 has 258.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A4 year, for its age
#65 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 99
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Audi A4 problems
Share of all 99 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Audi A4 recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, as a result of a problem in the production process of the ignition switch, the anchor point of the spring may crack. This could potentially cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine.
- The risk
- This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new ignition switch with an optimized anchor point free of charge. The recall began on november 27, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834. Note: this recall supersedes the remedy program under a previous recall (please see 00v317).
- The problem
- Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- The fix
- Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The plastic ignition switch housing can fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine.
- The risk
- This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
- The risk
- This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
- The risk
- Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, an improperly locking seat belt could cause injury to an occupant.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rear seat belt assembly.
What owners say
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99 complaints about the 1997 Audi A4
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
I was sitting at a stop light and was struck from behind at speeds between 40 to 60 miles a hour. My airbags did not deploy and my driver seat came lose from the floor and because of this I received injuries to my neck and face. *Js
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brakes failed when engaged. The contact was attempting to stop for a traffic stop but the vehicle did not respond. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.
In a snow storm, driver braked at an intersection, automatic brakes kicked in but did not stop the 10 mile per hour slide through the intersection. Car stopped parallel to the curb and was immediately t-boned by an suv. Air bags did not deploy. Driver was wearing aseat belt and suffered a brokev arm . . .Lucky. Based upon the condytion of the car, driver should be dead. *Tr
I was stopped at a red light when a car crashed into the back of my 1997 audi a4. This caused my car to crash into the car in front of me and that car to crash in to the car in front of it. My driver-side air bag did not deploy and my seat belt did not lock up. The air bag on the passenger side did deploy. Because the air bag and seat belt did not work, I hit the windshield and had to go to the hospital for medical attention. *Tr
The lower front control arms in my '97 audi a4 1.8T quattro were replaced by an authorized audi dealer as part of a voluntary recall campaign in 2004 by audi to replace a noted defective part. A class action lawsuit brought against audi by several owners spurred the voluntary recall. My lower control arms need replacing again, based on an inspection by an independent mechanic. When I contacted audi customer service I was told that the 2004 control arm recall had a one-year warranty and after that time I was...
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responsible for the replacement cost, which exceeds $2,000 for the lower front control arms. This is the second time this defective part needs replacing and it is a safety issue. Numerous audi owners have reported repeated lower control arm failure and nhtsa is urged to call a mandatory recall for audi to repair this defective part so it does not need to be replaced by owners every few years. *Tr
I received safety recall js for the audi a4 ignition switch in november 2006 and complied with the instructions by bringing the car to the dealer for a replacement switch in january 2007. The dealer did not do the repair because they said my car already had the correct switch. In june 2008, this ignition switch malfunctioned in the exact manner described in the recall. When I started the engine, I heard a crack in the ignition switch and then the electrical components, including dashboard lights, horn, turn signal,...
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windshield wipers, and air conditioning, immediately became inoperative. When I turned off the engine, the key would not return to the off position and had to be pulled out by force and subsequently forced back in to put the car in neutral for the tow truck. I contacted both the dealer and audi customer relations about the problem, but since the recall had been closed by this time, no one was willing to consider the possibility that the repair had not been done properly or that the ignition switch in my car, which they had previously claimed was the correct one, was just as defective as the recalled switch. I brought the car to an independent repair shop and had the switch replaced at my own expense. I asked for reimbursement from audi, but they refused. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. In january of 2004, the contact was informed of a recall on his vehicle regarding the ignition switch. The dealer performed the recall repair for free; however, the ignition switch failed in 2007. The dealer conducted a visual inspection. A technician stated that because the replacement had been done in 2004, a new ignition switch would not be necessary. On june 9, 2008, the ignition switched failed again. When the failure occurred, the contact was unable to turn off the...
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vehicle. As a result, the battery drained. He took the vehicle to the dealer again and they stated once more that because the vehicle was previously repaired under recall, they were not responsible. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 67,487 and current mileage was 141,500.
1) Failure of front left (driver side) hydraulic brake hose at caliper end at inboard side of hose strain relief. The damage location appears to be where hose is subject to maximum stress and flexing when front wheels turn. Further inspection revealed concealed damage to right (passenger) front brake hose at the same location. 2) Consequence was loss of all hydraulic braking when hose burst, resulting in minor accident. Damage to vehicles was minor because of good fortune to have failure at low speed--no...
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injuries resulted. 3) Front hydraulic brake hoses were replaced with new oem hoses supplied by audi dealer. Because both hoses exhibited similar wear, other audi a4 vehicles 10 years old and/or with 100,000+ miles may be subject to similar front brake hose failures. *Tr
Braking performance seems to be dramatically reduced in wet, and especially wet and cold, conditions. This happens often, but does not happen regularly, and always after prolonged high-speed driving without brake application. The reduction in performance seems much more dramatic than would be expected from typical reduction in brake performance in these conditions. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. The vehicle was repaired for nhtsa recall number 06v403000 (ignition switch). When the contact went to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer, it failed to start. The dealer stated that they could only release the keys and vehicle to a tow service. The invoice stated that the repairs were made. The contact stated that this is the only audi dealer in his area. The manufacturer stated that they are unable to provide any assistance. The current and failure mileages were...
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165,522. The consumer stated to the audi back to fix and the vin should show car could drive normally to dealership. The consumer stated dealership sabotaged car and drafted false documents. Updated 08/24/07 *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. When turning the key to the right to start the vehicle, the key remains in the start position instead of turning back. The manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa recall # 06v403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The current mileage is 111,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.
1997 Audi a4 quattro lease with engine problems customer states that audi corporation is fully aware of the problems with slog and did not send him a letter**cc the consumer stated the oil pump failed which caused oil starvation to the engine, which now sounds like a diesel engine. The consumer mechanics informed the consumer that the manufacturer was fully aware of an oil sludge problem from the use of inferior engine oil or from infrequent oil changes, can clog the oil pump. The consumer stated he never received a letter regarding an oil sludge problem. *Jb
Audi safety recall js - ignition switch repaired customer wants to be reimbursed for repairs made from an outside dealer**nar**cc 06/06/07 add to letter send from office of att general**cc the consumer was denied reimbursement because the repair was not made at an authorized dealership and because the consumer waited several months to execute the repair. *Jb *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. The vehicle was serviced for recall # 06v403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). When the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the battery was dead and had to be jump started. The vehicle failed to restart after being driven 25 miles and then parked. The dealer stated that the battery failure was unrelated to the recall repair. The contact purchased a new battery, but the vehicle still would not start. A local mechanic stated that the cause of failure was the starter and the wire was burned to the starter. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 76,000.
I complied with audi safety recall js for my 1997 audi a-4q when notified by audi to do so by a recall notice. The part that was supplied by audi(an ignition switch) for the recall subsequently failed in the same manner and with the same effects as those that led to the recall. I replaced the malfunctioning switch at my expense and sought a refund for my out of pocket expenses from audi customer service, they refused my request and said they had satisfied their obligation to me by removing my ignition switch (that was working fine) and replacing it with a malfunctioning switch as part of audi safety recall js. *Nm
Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers intermittently failed to operate. There was a nhtsa recall, #00v317000 on the vehicle regarding the ignition switch. The contact expressed the windshield wiper failure was related to the recall. However, the dealer determined the failure of the windshield wiper motor was not included in the recall.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to turn on the ignition, the key turned forward but would not spring back into place. The ignition housing return spring anchor point fractured causing the return spring forces to be faulty for returning the ignition key to the proper position after starting the vehicle. The service dealer was notified who determined that the original parts were replaced under recall campaign id#00v317000. The contact insisted that even though the original parts were replaced, the...
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replaced parts may have been faulty. The service dealer refused to remedy the problem under the recall. The manufacturer was notified, and determined that it was not an open campaign.*Ak
1997 Audi a4 ignition switch replaced twice. Once regarding a recall notice. Second time switch failed the same as in the recall notice. *Kb *nm
Dt*: the contact stated while turning the key to the start position with the engine running, the key will not back into the on position and as a result, the starter grinded. The key must be manually moved back to the start position. There is a nhtsa recall # 00v317000, concerning the ignition switch. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer. The manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 03/20/06. *Jb
(1)I received a recall notice (le recall) from audi of america on the ignition switch on my 1997 a4 sedan. The recall work was performed on 1/29/03. At that point in time the original ignition switch had been performing correctly for 59 months but I had it replaced because of audi's recommendation; not because it had a malfunction. (2)In july of 2004 the replacement ignition switch failed after approximately 18 months of service. The failure occurred while I was visiting st. Augustine, florida. I noticed that...
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the a/c was not blowing cold air. As I was driving back in to the town of st. Augustine I heard what sounded like something dragging under the car. I pulled into a parking lot and then found the car would not re-start. I had the car towed to the nearest audi dealer in jacksonville, florida and then rented a car to get back home to tampa, florida. The bill from the jacksonville dealership was $1758 to replace the ignition switch and the starter motor. I also incurred a $150 towing fee and approx $70 rental car fee. (3)After the repairs I contacted audi of america but they said they only warranty replaced parts for 12 months. Since this switch lasted 18 months it was my responsibility to pay for the repairs. I contend that audi of america did not correct the defect, in fact, they made it considerably worse. Vin of 1997 a4 is [[redacted]](4) please note: I am also the owner of a 1996 a4 sedan. I will open another incident report for that automobile. *Jb updated 07/18/2012 *js *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have a 1997 audi a4 q that has a common defect with the ignition switch. This is a very well known problem with these cars and because of the defect there has been a recall already done for this car (nhtsa campaign id number 00v317000) as of oct 06,2000. I called the a local dealer and the manufacturer and gave them my vin # and they claim my car was not part of the recall. However, I went to the nhtsa website and looked at the make, model and year of my car and it does show that the year of my car was included....
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In fact, I was even able to print off several documents referring to the recall and it does show that my vin is actually included (vin ranges wau---8d-va000181 to wau---8d-va294397). Quoting the recall letter; "the plastic ignition switch housing can fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. " This is exactly what has happened to my car () making it unsafe to operate. *Jb
Ignition switch failure, the return spring force of the ignition switch is insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine, causing starting motor to continue running and lights and blower motors fail to com on. Request vehicle to be included in reference: nhtsa campaign id number 00v317000. *Nm
My audi a-4 was parked all day, all of a sudden the car caught on fire only in the dash. I have reported this to audi they refuse to give me a report after looking at the car. They also said they could not tell if it was tampered with. The fire dept that put out the fire, said it was an electrical fire. This car is stock, I have had to replace the ignition switch and module. This car has had recalls and may complaints. This could caused injury and death if my child and I were in the car. I feel as if I am...
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being blown off, I have called and spoke to many people and there is no straight answer. Now my car is sitting at scottadale paint and auto body where I was instructed to leave it by audi. I have called there today to check on my car and no one can find it. I have also been sending e-mail and so on. *Jb
The failure I am having is with my ignition switch. When turning on the car, the ignition key does not return to the proper position after the engine has been started. This causes electrical accessories, such as windshield wipers, headlights, power windows, and heating/air conditioning to be inoperative after starting the car. Also, when turning off the car the key does not turn all the way to the off position. This results in difficulty in removing and reinserting the key, and it also does not cut off all power...
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resulting in a dead battery on several occasions when I returned to the car, and it also does not activate the anti theft alarm system. This vehicle had a recall for this exact same problem in 2001, and the dealer claims to have changed the defective part however the problem has resurfaced. Paul miller audi was not willing to correct the problem at their cost. *Nm
Dt: the key wouldn't go into the ignition, and then the radio wouldn't go off. Then, the signal lights and the air conditioner wouldn't work. After researching about the recall for the ignition switch contacted the dealer and audi, and they both said the ignition switch defect, recall 00v317000, had already been fixed, but there was no documentation. Was concerned that if it was already replaced then it should not malfunction within a short period of time.*Ak *nm
Audi A4: every year compared
All A4 years1997 Audi A4 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Audi A4 | 99 | 8 | D | |
| 1997 Audi A6 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus ES | 2 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 5 Series | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 4 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Audi Quattro | 11 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Audi A8 | 10 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Audi Cabriolet | 2 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Audi S6 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Audi A4
Does the 1997 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1997 Audi A4: inflator module (July 2022); switch (October 2006); exterior lighting (June 2006); exterior lighting (May 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Audi A4?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (34), suspension (19), brakes (14).
How many complaints has the 1997 Audi A4 had?
99 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 22, 1998 and the latest on July 7, 2014. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Audi A4 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A4 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A4 years have the most complaints?
2006 (298), 1998 (258), 2005 (219). See every Audi A4 year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Audi A4 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data