Model year record

1997 Audi A4 recalls & problems

The 1997 Audi A4 has 8 safety recalls and 98 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (34 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints98filed by owners

Crashes · fires7 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsJul 1, 2022

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 22V47100028,624 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.

Electrical systemOct 23, 2006

Ignition › Switch

Recall 06V40300028,594 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW IGNITION SWITCH WITH AN OPTIMIZED ANCHOR POINT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES THE REMEDY PROGRAM UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 00V317).

Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Electrical systemOct 11, 2000

Ignition › Switch

Recall 00V31700027,900 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 21, 1999

Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 99V13100188,121 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
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.

Air bagsOct 8, 1997

Frontal

Recall 97V17500039,300 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

Seat beltsJul 22, 1997

Rear/other

Recall 97V11500012 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, OR NOT REMAIN LOCKED AFTER BEING ENGAGED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN IMPROPERLY LOCKING SEAT BELT COULD CAUSE INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1997 Audi A4 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

A4

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

A4 quattro

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

A4

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

A4 quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

A4 quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	34	0	2	0	118,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front	19	1	0	0	57,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	15	3	0	1	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	13	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler	6	1	1	2	—
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission	5	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	4	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	4	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield	4	0	0	0	—
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment	4	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingTurn signal › Flasher unit; Headlights	3	0	0	0	—
Air bags	3	3	0	4	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bagsCrash2 injuries
I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40 TO 60 MILES A HOUR. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY DRIVER SEAT CAME LOSE FROM THE FLOOR AND BECAUSE OF THIS I RECEIVED INJURIES TO MY NECK AND FACE. *JS
Jul 3, 2014
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN ENGAGED. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC STOP BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Jan 27, 2014 · 70,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
IN A SNOW STORM, DRIVER BRAKED AT AN INTERSECTION, AUTOMATIC BRAKES KICKED IN BUT DID NOT STOP THE 10 MILE PER HOUR SLIDE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. CAR STOPPED PARALLEL TO THE CURB AND WAS IMMEDIATELY T-BONED BY AN SUV. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS WEARING ASEAT BELT AND SUFFERED A BROKEV ARM . . .LUCKY. BASED UPON THE CONDYTION OF THE CAR, DRIVER SHOULD BE DEAD. *TR
Jan 27, 2014 · 113,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN A CAR CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF MY 1997 AUDI A4. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO CRASH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THAT CAR TO CRASH IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. MY DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP. THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID DEPLOY. BECAUSE THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK, I HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. *TR
Jan 4, 2013 · 183,000 miles
Suspension › Front
THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARMS IN MY '97 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO WERE REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER AS PART OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2004 BY AUDI TO REPLACE A NOTED DEFECTIVE PART. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BROUGHT AGAINST AUDI BY SEVERAL OWNERS SPURRED THE VOLUNTARY RECALL. MY LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEED REPLACING AGAIN, BASED ON AN INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WHEN I CONTACTED AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THE 2004 CONTROL ARM RECALL HAD A ONE-YEAR WARRANTY AND AFTER THAT TIME I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST, WHICH EXCEEDS $2,000 FOR THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS DEFECTIVE PART NEEDS REPLACING AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.…
Mar 25, 2009
Electrical system
I RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL JS FOR THE AUDI A4 IGNITION SWITCH IN NOVEMBER 2006 AND COMPLIED WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS BY BRINGING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT SWITCH IN JANUARY 2007. THE DEALER DID NOT DO THE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY SAID MY CAR ALREADY HAD THE CORRECT SWITCH. IN JUNE 2008, THIS IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED IN THE EXACT MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, I HEARD A CRACK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THEN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING DASHBOARD LIGHTS, HORN, TURN SIGNAL, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND AIR CONDITIONING, IMMEDIATELY BECAME INOPERATIVE. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THE KEY WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE OFF POSITION AND HAD TO BE PULLED OUT BY…
Jun 14, 2008 · 92,457 miles
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 AUDI A4. IN JANUARY OF 2004, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR FOR FREE; HOWEVER, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED IN 2007. THE DEALER CONDUCTED A VISUAL INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT HAD BEEN DONE IN 2004, A NEW IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY. ON JUNE 9, 2008, THE IGNITION SWITCHED FAILED AGAIN. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY DRAINED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY STATED ONCE MORE THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, THEY WERE NOT…
Jan 13, 2004 · 67,487 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCrash
1) FAILURE OF FRONT LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE AT CALIPER END AT INBOARD SIDE OF HOSE STRAIN RELIEF. THE DAMAGE LOCATION APPEARS TO BE WHERE HOSE IS SUBJECT TO MAXIMUM STRESS AND FLEXING WHEN FRONT WHEELS TURN. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED CONCEALED DAMAGE TO RIGHT (PASSENGER) FRONT BRAKE HOSE AT THE SAME LOCATION. 2) CONSEQUENCE WAS LOSS OF ALL HYDRAULIC BRAKING WHEN HOSE BURST, RESULTING IN MINOR ACCIDENT. DAMAGE TO VEHICLES WAS MINOR BECAUSE OF GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE FAILURE AT LOW SPEED--NO INJURIES RESULTED. 3) FRONT HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES WERE REPLACED WITH NEW OEM HOSES SUPPLIED BY AUDI DEALER. BECAUSE BOTH HOSES EXHIBITED SIMILAR WEAR, OTHER AUDI A4 VEHICLES 10 YEARS OLD…
Dec 26, 2007 · 130,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHERClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA00021 · opened Aug 11, 2000 · closed Mar 29, 2002
DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE00016 · opened Apr 4, 2000 · closed Aug 11, 2000
IGNITION SWITCHClosedLed to recall 00V317000
There is no summary currently available
RQ00009 · opened Mar 21, 2000 · closed Nov 30, 2000
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASSClosedLed to recall 99V131001
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008 · opened Jun 1, 1999 · closed Nov 14, 2000