- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Audi Cabriolet Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Audi Cabriolet with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (1) and the steering (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 1997 for the frontal. For comparison, the 1996 has 8 and the 1998 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Cabriolet year, for its age
#268 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Audi Cabriolet problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Audi Cabriolet recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first Cabriolet owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1997 Audi Cabriolet
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving the gas pedal became stuck and failed to return to its normal position, which created excessive speed. *Ak *jb
Steering linkage failed. While pulling out odf a driveway, the linkage between the steering wheel and rack broke rendering the car unsteerable. The steering wheell simple spun. Fortunately this did not occur at high speed. The dealer service dept said it was " normal wear and tear. This vehicle does not have high mileage and is maintained by audi. I have the broken part for your inspection. It is broken in two.
Audi Cabriolet: every year compared
All Cabriolet years1997 Audi Cabriolet vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Audi Cabriolet | 2 | 1 | C | |
| 1997 Audi A4 | 99 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Audi A6 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Audi Quattro | 11 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Audi A8 | 10 | 2 | 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 Cabriolet
Does the 1997 Audi Cabriolet have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Audi Cabriolet: 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 Cabriolet?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (1), steering (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Audi Cabriolet had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 9, 2003 and the latest on October 1, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Audi Cabriolet a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Audi Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet years have the most complaints?
1996 (8), 2003 (5), 1995 (3). See every Audi Cabriolet year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Audi Cabriolet 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