1997 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2006
“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”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2005
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 1999
Show 3 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Power Train
“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”Owner report · Power Train
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact A8 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 A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1997 Audi A8 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.