1997 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1997 Audi A8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Audi A8 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	4	33%	new
Speed Control	2	17%	new
Electrical System	1	8%	new
Lighting	1	8%	new
Airbags	1	8%	new
Body & Structure	1	8%	new
Other	1	8%	new
Brakes	1	8%	— flat

Does the 1997 Audi A8 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V397000TransmissionAugust 14, 2008 · 13,900 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

97V175000AirbagsOctober 8, 1997 · 39,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 31, 1999 · crash

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 23, 2005

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 1, 2006

1997 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 1997 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (4 complaints), speed control (2 complaints), other (1 complaints).

Does the 1997 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other A8 years?

What are the most common 1997 Audi A8 problems?

Does the 1997 Audi A8 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 1997 Audi A8 reliable?

What are the most common 1997 A8 problems?

Does the 1997 Audi A8 have recalls?

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

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