Recalls
6campaigns
2 air bag · 2 electrical · 1 brake
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
98filed
Owner reports, 1995–2004 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
21mpg combined
$3,110/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
1.8 L 4-cyl· 5-speed automatic
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1997 Audi A4. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
Inflator May Explode or Underinflate Air Bag
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported28,624 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V471000
Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
IGNITION SWITCH
Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- 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).
Repair progress not yet reported28,594 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V403000
Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/IGNITION SWITCH
Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Repair progress not yet reported27,900 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V317000
Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/BRAKE BOOSTER
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported88,121 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V131001
Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/AIR BAG GROUND CONTACT WIRE
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Repair progress not yet reported39,300 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V175000
Listed for 1997 Audi A4. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/REAR SEAT BELTS
Seat belts · rear/other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, OR NOT REMAIN LOCKED AFTER BEING ENGAGED.
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN IMPROPERLY LOCKING SEAT BELT COULD CAUSE INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported12 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V115000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (98)
98 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
7involved a crash
3involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 33 | 33.7% |
| Suspension | 19 | 19.4% |
| Service brakes | 15 | 15.3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 12.2% |
| Power train | 5 | 5.1% |
| Seats | 4 | 4.1% |
| Steering | 4 | 4.1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 4.1% |
| Visibility | 4 | 4.1% |
| Air bags | 3 | 3.1% |
How 1997 compares with other A4 years
Best and worst A4 years →19951
199689
199798
1998258
1999190
200096
2001131
2002181
2003210
2004189
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 | 4 |
| 1997 | 98 | 6 |
| 1998 | 258 | 4 |
| 1999 | 190 | 4 |
| 2000 | 96 | 2 |
| 2001 | 131 | 1 |
| 2002 | 181 | 1 |
| 2003 | 210 | 3 |
| 2004 | 189 | 2 |
This year (1997)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined
21
mpg combined
18
city
27
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,900
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 423 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year
Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1997 A4 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1997 Audi A4 FAQ
How many recalls does the 1997 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 22V471000 (air bag), 06V403000 (electrical), 00V317000 (electrical), 99V131001 (brake), 97V175000 (air bag), 97V115000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1997 Audi A4 problems?
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (33), Suspension (19), Service brakes (15) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1997 Audi A4 get?
EPA rates the 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic version at 18 city, 27 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1997 A4 compare with other years?
Among the 1995–2004 Audi A4 model years at least five years old, the 1995 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 1998 the most (258). The 1997 drew 98. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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