- The problem
- Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
- The risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Audi A8 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1997 Audi A8 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (4) and the acceleration & cruise control (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 2008 for the automatic transmission. For comparison, the 1996 has 1 and the 1998 has 7.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical A8 year, for its age
#165 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Audi A8 problems
Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Audi A8 recalls 2
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
- 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.
What owners say
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10 complaints about the 1997 Audi A8
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
My 1997 audi a8 is equipped with a vehicle jack that is grossly inadequate for changing a tire and is hazardous to anyone using it-- it is prone to collapse. Many users of this jack have experienced collapse, and audi does not care to do anything about it. *Jb
My 1997 audi a8 has air bag light display in the center of the instrument panel. On a recent visit to the audi dealership, I was told by the service advisor that they have reset the fault code. Wherever, soon after that the warning light came up again and stay on now. I searched the web and found out there were many owners experienced the same issue on the 1997-2000 model year of the a8. I read the owner's manuel, and it says if the air bag warning is on, when collision occurs, the driver and passenger side...
Read the full complaint
frontal air bag will become deactivated (i.E. Frontal air bags would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.) Since the air bag is a vital safety system, I'd strongly suggest to you to investigate this failure. *Nm
Vehicle was pulling out in reverse when all of a sudden the bumper got caught on something and ripped out completely. Consumer anticipated that the vehicle was designed too low, and had informed the manufacturer.*Ak
While driving the consumer's 1997 audi a8 quattro accelerated suddenly. *Nm *nm
The ignition switch in my 1997 audi a8 failed internally and was disabled in it's ability to spring back from the start position. With the switch contacts in a position between start and run, none of the electrical auxiliary equipment will operate. This includes the headlights / taillights, turn signals , wipers and other systems. This condition can also allow the starter to remain engaged with the engine running. In this instance, this occurred the first time at night with my wife. I believe that this failure...
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represents a serious safety issue. Research on the internet reviled that this failure has been well documented on other audi models. The nhtsa has previously issued recalls on the 1997 a6 (00v317000) and 1996 a4 (96v017000) models due to failure of the ignition switch. I contacted audi usa customer service (reps. Name- megan) and entered a complaint - case#30325223 the dealership was contacted by audi usa the ignition switch was replaced by the audi dealer at a cost of $535.00 Fully charged to me. *Jb
While driving there was a terrible noise coming from vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer feels transmission has a defect.*Jb
Transmission was defective causing loud humming noise from engine while driving. Nlm
Brakes would not stop vehicle at a red light. Consumer has to keep pushing brakes. Took to dealer 4 times, and everytime dealer said rotors were damaged. Consumer stated that transmission went out at 10000 miles. *Ak the vehicle maker acknowledged that the a8 rotors wear quickly. *Yh
We want information regarding the odometer "rollback" (changing from kilometers to miles). Does this constitute odometer fraud if sticker was not on the door when we purchased this vehicle? We want to know if all legal requirements were met for importation to the u. S. From mexico in 1999. And were all taxes and/or penalties paid in full? Also were all document requirements complied with? Vehicle id number is not on the dash on left-hand side, visible from outside.*Ak
While applying the brakes to park this vehicle it suddenly accelerated. Vehicle came to a stop after being wedged in between two parked vehicles. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak
Audi A8: every year compared
All A8 years1997 Audi A8 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Audi A8 | 10 | 2 | C | |
| 1997 Audi A4 | 99 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Audi A6 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Audi Quattro | 11 | 0 | D | 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 A8
Does the 1997 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Audi A8: automatic transmission (August 2008); frontal (October 1997). 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 A8?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (4), acceleration & cruise control (2), airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Audi A8 had?
10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 1, 1999 and the latest on December 14, 2006. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Audi A8 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Audi A8 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 A8 years have the most complaints?
2013 (50), 2015 (32), 2014 (18). See every Audi A8 year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Audi A8 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