1997 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Audi A8: 2 recalls, 10 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V397000 · 2008 · 13,900 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
The fix: 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.
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
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Speed control / throttle (2): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Audi A8 has 10 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2000 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 69,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (1 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (4 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | 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 A8.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Audi A8. 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 A8 problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (4), speed control / throttle (2), brakes (hydraulic) (1).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Audi A8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Audi A8 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.