1997 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Audi A4: 6 recalls, 98 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V115000 · 1997 · 12 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear seat belt retractors May not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.
Why it matters: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #97V175000 · 1997 · 39,300 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V131001 · 1999 · 88,121 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #00V317000 · 2000 · 27,900 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Electrical Vehicle recall #06V403000 · 2006 · 28,594 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V471000 · 2022 · 28,624 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), won't start (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Suspension (19): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), steering problems (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Engine & cooling (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 1997 Audi A4 has 98 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 93). Complaints peaked in 2001 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 92,457 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (89 complaints, 4 recalls), 1998 (258 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Audi A4.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Audi A4, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (33), suspension (19), brakes (hydraulic) (14).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Audi A4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.