1997 Audi A6: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Ignition switch stopped working causing the headlights, turn signals, and wipers to stop working. Car still operates and is a danger if driving without turn signals or wipers without knowing. I have noticed this issue has occurred several times with this model and understand the a4 had a recall for this problem the same year. In which the ignition switch has the same part number as the failed switch in the a6 however audi did not issue a recall for the a6. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2013
“The rear seat was shifted by the occupant to attach a child's car seat to the passenger side rear seatbelt mounting brackets. The spring wires under the rear seat contacted both posts of the battery under the seat, igniting a fire, which spread through the entire rear seat of the car. The suspension wires of the rear seat were burned away by the arc. Based upon the position of the rear seat reported by the witness, the seat wires lined up right on top of the battery terminals. There did not appear to be any insulating means between the terminals of the battery and the bottom of the seat suspension. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2013
“I'm having a problem with the ignition switch on my car - a 97/audi/audi a6 white rco129. The key turns too far and you have to shift it back to get the gauges/electrical accessories (wipers, air conditioner, headlights, etc.) to function properly again. Could this be related to the 1994-1996 a6 recall? *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“1997 audi a6, vehicle caught fire. *bf according to the police report, the fire appeared to have started in the battery compartment located underneath the right seat of the vehicle. Ohio traffic report # 10-0327-89”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
“1997 audi a6 unintended acceleration - stuck throttle. Only way to stop car from moving was to turn off ignition. Audi dealer (suds - normal, illinois) found ice in throttle housing and was familiar with problem on other like-model audis. If I did not have presence of mind to turn off engine I would have run into cross traffic on busy six lane highway. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated that the side view mirrors were cloudy. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the reflective material in the mirrors was peeling. There were no repairs made. The manufacturer was also notified. Updated 9/5/2006 - the dealer refused to replaced the mirror free of charge. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2006
“Ignition switch has malfunctioned many times, causing headlamps to flicker or simply not function. The switch now has malfunctioned to the point of no longer allowing the headlamps to function. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2005
“I have a "sticky" ignition switch, you have to manually turn it back to run or the starter stays engaged. I have not corrected the problem yet. It seems to be a common failure and was a recall item on other models. *la”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“I drive a 1997, a6 audi quattro station wagon. Over the past 2 winters, I have had 2 very similar incidents. On extremely cold mornings while driving into work the car accelerated on its own. Each time I had to pull off the road, throw the car into neutral and shut to car off. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004
“Ignition switch failed. It's a well-known problem. Go to http://www.audiworld.com/search/ and put 'ignition switch' in and see how many people have had this same problem and yet there's a recall on the a4, but not the a6.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2002
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, OR NOT REMAIN LOCKED AFTER BEING ENGAGED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact A6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Audi A6 reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Audi A6. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1997 Audi A6 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.