1997 Audi Cabriolet: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Audi Cabriolet: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Audi Cabriolet has 2 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 8 Cabriolet model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 3). Neighboring years: 1996 (8 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 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 Cabriolet.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1997 Audi Cabriolet have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Audi Cabriolet. 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 Cabriolet problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (1), speed control / throttle (1).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Audi Cabriolet get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Audi Cabriolet 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.