Is the 1997 Audi A6 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Audi A6?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 85% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Audi A6 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1997 Audi A6

○ Not enough data

1997 Audi A6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:31.877Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 20
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1997: 20 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	2
1995	16
1996	51
1997	20
1998	130
1999	217
2000	148
2001	113
2002	88
2003	66
2004	35
2005	91
2006	67
2007	53
2008	71
2009	21
2010	17
2011	21
2012	59
2013	52
2014	41
2015	22
2016	51
2017	20
2018	11
2019	114
2020	26
2021	18
2022	2
2023	2
2024	3
2025	5
2026	6

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

17 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The rear seat was shifted by the occupant to attach a child's car seat to the passenger side rear seatbelt mounting brackets.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-28

Also filed under Seats

1997 Audi A6, vehicle caught fire. *bf according to the police report, the fire appeared to have started in the battery compartment located underneath the right seat of the vehicle. Ohio traffic report #…

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-22

Associated with complaint id 345606/recall id#00V317000 Audi 1997 A6 wagon with the same symptoms. I replaced my ignition switch several times and it would stay engaged and the key would get stuck in the ignition.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-22

Equipment

2 of 20 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

Visibility

1 of 20 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing exterior.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 20 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Seats

1 of 20 total reports mentions: seats.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1997-07-15Seat belts97V115000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear seat belt assembly.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1997-10-13Air bags97V175000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 97V115000 · Seat belts
Recall 97V175000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Audi A6 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Audi A6?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 85% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Audi A6 have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.