1997 Audi A6
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
17 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow 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, 20130628
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 # 10-0327-89
NHTSA ODI report, 20100322
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, 20051122
2 of 20 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
1 of 20 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing exterior.
1 of 20 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 20 total reports mentions: seats.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 97V115000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Campaign 97V175000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V115000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V175000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.