1997 Audi A8
Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
4 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving there was a terrible noise coming from vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer feels transmission has a defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-10
We want information regarding the odometer "Rollback" (Changing from kilometers to miles). Does this constitute odometer fraud if sticker was not on the door when we purchased this vehicle?
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-11-09
Vehicle speed control
2 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
While applying the brakes to park this vehicle it suddenly accelerated. Vehicle came to a stop after being wedged in between two parked vehicles. Dealer has been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-01
Structure
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing bumpers.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was pulling out in reverse when all of a sudden the bumper got caught on something and ripped out completely. Consumer anticipated that the vehicle was designed too low, and had informed the manufacturer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-23
Service brakes
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Exterior lighting
1 of 10 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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R
2008-09-12Power train08V397000 Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of…
Remedy: 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. Owners may…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V175000 · Air bags
- Recall 08V397000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Audi A8 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 A8?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Audi A8 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.