1997 Audi A6: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Audi A6: 2 recalls, 20 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), fire / smoke (4).
- Equipment (2): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Audi A6 has 20 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 33 A6 model years for complaints (well below the 50 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 95,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (51 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (130 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 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 A6.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Audi A6. 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 A6 problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (14), equipment (2), exterior lights (1).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Audi A6 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 A6 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.