Most common 1997 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A8 complaints by model year
Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →
1997 Audi A8 recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
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 position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
What 1997 Audi A8 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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? We want to know if all legal requirements were met for importation to the u. S. From Mexico in 1999. And were all taxes and/or penalties paid in full? Also were all document requirements complied with? Vehicle id number is not on the dash on left-hand side, visible from outside.
1997 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 A8 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the A8 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Audi A8?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Audi A8 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Audi A8, the most recent from August 14, 2008 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.