1997 Audi A4 recalls
Air Bags · NHTSA 22V471000 · Jul 1, 2022
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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…
28,624 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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).
28,594 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
87,745 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
27,176 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
27,900 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Fix: 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.
88,121 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Air Bags · NHTSA 97V175000 · Oct 8, 1997
Problem: 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.
Risk: Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
39,300 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Seat Belts · NHTSA 97V115000 · Jul 22, 1997
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an improperly locking seat belt could cause injury to an occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear seat belt assembly.
12 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Air Bags · Jul 7, 2014 · 2,040,560 miles · NC · crash · 2 injured
I was sitting at a stop light and was struck from behind at speeds between 40 to 60 miles a hour. My airbags did not deploy and my driver seat came lose from the floor and because of this I received injuries to my neck and face. *js
Seats · Jul 7, 2014 · 2,040,560 miles · NC · crash · 2 injured
I was sitting at a stop light and was struck from behind at speeds between 40 to 60 miles a hour. My airbags did not deploy and my driver seat came lose from the floor and because of this I received injuries to my neck and face. *js
Air Bags · Jan 31, 2014 · 113,000 miles · CO · crash · 1 injured
In a snow storm, driver braked at an intersection, automatic brakes kicked in but did not stop the 10 mile per hour slide through the intersection. Car stopped parallel to the curb and was immediately t-boned by an SUV. Air bags did not deploy. Driver was wearing aseat belt and suffered a brokev arm . . .lucky. Based upon the condytion of the car, driver should be dead. *tr
Service Brakes · Jan 31, 2014 · 70,000 miles · CO
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brakes failed when engaged. The contact was attempting to stop for a traffic stop but the vehicle did not respond. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Seat Belts · Jan 15, 2013 · 183,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injured
I was stopped at a red light when a car crashed into the back of my 1997 audi a4. This caused my car to crash into the car in front of me and that car to crash in to the car in front of it. My driver-side air bag did not deploy and my seat belt did not lock up. The air bag on the passenger side did deploy. Because the air bag and seat belt did not work, I hit the windshield…
Air Bags · Jan 15, 2013 · 183,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injured
I was stopped at a red light when a car crashed into the back of my 1997 audi a4. This caused my car to crash into the car in front of me and that car to crash in to the car in front of it. My driver-side air bag did not deploy and my seat belt did not lock up. The air bag on the passenger side did deploy. Because the air bag and seat belt did not work, I hit the windshield…
Suspension · Apr 1, 2009 · VA
The lower front control arms in my '97 audi a4 1.8T quattro were replaced by an authorized audi dealer as part of a voluntary recall campaign in 2004 by audi to replace a noted defective part. A class action lawsuit brought against audi by several owners spurred the voluntary recall. My lower control arms need replacing again, based on an inspection by an independent mechanic.…
Electrical System · Jul 2, 2008 · 92,457 miles · DC
I received safety recall js for the audi a4 ignition switch in november 2006 and complied with the instructions by bringing the car to the dealer for a replacement switch in january 2007. The dealer did not do the repair because they said my car already had the correct switch. In june 2008, this ignition switch malfunctioned in the exact manner described in the recall. When I…
Electrical System · Jun 16, 2008 · 67,487 miles · PA
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. In january of 2004, the contact was informed of a recall on his vehicle regarding the ignition switch. The dealer performed the recall repair for free; however, the ignition switch failed in 2007. The dealer conducted a visual inspection. A technician stated that because the replacement had been done in 2004, a new ignition switch would not…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 29, 2007 · 130,000 miles · WA · crash
1) failure of front left (driver side) hydraulic brake hose at caliper end at inboard side of hose strain relief. The damage location appears to be where hose is subject to maximum stress and flexing when front wheels turn. Further inspection revealed concealed damage to right (passenger) front brake hose at the same location. 2) consequence was loss of all hydraulic braking…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 3, 2007 · OH
Braking performance seems to be dramatically reduced in wet, and especially wet and cold, conditions. This happens often, but does not happen regularly, and always after prolonged high-speed driving without brake application. The reduction in performance seems much more dramatic than would be expected from typical reduction in brake performance in these conditions. *tr
Electrical System · Aug 2, 2007 · 165,522 miles · HI
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 audi a4. The vehicle was repaired for NHTSA recall number 06V403000 (ignition switch). When the contact went to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer, it failed to start. The dealer stated that they could only release the keys and vehicle to a tow service. The invoice stated that the repairs were made. The contact stated that this is the only audi…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1997 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls covering the 1997 Audi A4, the most recent one (22V471000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Audi A4?
Based on 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (34), suspension (19), service brakes, hydraulic (15).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1997 Audi A4?
Owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires, 8 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 1997 Audi A4?
NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA00021: Degraded braking in wet weather.