1997 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant for the fourth generation.
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)
Development
In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).
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Common 1997 Audi A8 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are some common problems with the 1997 Audi A8 Quattro based on complaints from owners:
- Timing Drive Maintenance: The Audi A8 1997 model uses a toothed belt to drive the exhaust shafts and a chain connecting the intake shafts. Over time, the timing belt, chain, and tensioners may require replacement. Symptoms of a malfunctioning chain tensioner include a knocking sound when starting a cold engine. Additionally, valve timing regulators wear out with age, necessitating maintenance to avoid engine issues .
- Suspension Maintenance: The car may require significant investment in maintaining the suspension, including the multi-link rear and front components. The cost of maintaining the wheels is manageable, but it is essential to ensure that all four tires are the same due to the Quattro Drive system's requirements. The advanced age of the model can lead to problems with the Tiptronic automatic transmission, although electronic issues are generally rare .
- Engine Problems: Specific engine variants, like the 4.2 V8 and the 2.5 TDI V6, have been highlighted for potential issues. The 4.2 V8 engine is known for its durability but can be costly to maintain. The 2.5 TDI V6 has had reported problems with camshafts, high-pressure fuel pumps, and fuel system issues. Owners have also faced challenges with glow plugs, turbochargers, and oil leaks in the 2.5 TDI engine .
These common problems with the 1997 Audi A8 Quattro highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to address potential issues promptly and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
Are old Audi A8 reliable?
According to carparts.com, the Audi A8 will last 200,000 miles, or around 20 years, without severe repairs. It's a solid vehicle that exists to last under your ownership. However, care for your car to ensure it will last as long as possible.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
How much is a 1997 Audi A8 worth?
1997 Audi A8 Review
For reference, the 1997 Audi A8 originally had a starting sticker price of $57,400, with the range-topping A8 Quattro AWD Sedan 4D starting at $65,000.
Is Audi A8 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi A8 will amount to $2,843 after 5 years.
Are old Audi A8 reliable?
According to carparts.com, the Audi A8 will last 200,000 miles, or around 20 years, without severe repairs. It's a solid vehicle that exists to last under your ownership. However, care for your car to ensure it will last as long as possible.
How much is a 1997 Audi A8 worth?
1997 Audi A8 Review
For reference, the 1997 Audi A8 originally had a starting sticker price of $57,400, with the range-topping A8 Quattro AWD Sedan 4D starting at $65,000.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
How Many Miles Does an Audi Last? Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is Audi A8 4.2 A good engine?
The engine-trans combo is flawless in terms of smoothness. I thought the amount of power was basically spot-on. No, the A8 doesn't leap off the line, but the power builds quickly and, man, is it ever smooth.
1997 Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Equipment problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Audi A8.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
- VIN: WAUBG84D3VN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: MY 1997 AUDI A8 IS EQUIPPED WITH A VEHICLE JACK THAT IS GROSSLY INADEQUATE FOR CHANGING A TIRE AND IS HAZARDOUS TO ANYONE USING IT-- IT IS PRONE TO COLLAPSE. MANY USERS OF THIS JACK HAVE EXPERIENCED COLLAPSE, AND AUDI DOES NOT CARE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-05
- VIN: WAUBG84D0VN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY 1997 AUDI A8 HAS AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAY IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON A RECENT VISIT TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THEY HAVE RESET THE FAULT CODE. WHEREVER, SOON AFTER THAT THE WARNING LIGHT CAME UP AGAIN AND STAY ON NOW. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THERE WERE MANY OWNERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR OF THE A8. I READ THE OWNER'S MANUEL, AND IT SAYS IF THE AIR BAG WARNING IS ON, WHEN COLLISION OCCURS, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED (I.E. FRONTAL AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH.) SINCE THE AIR BAG IS A VITAL SAFETY SYSTEM, I'D STRONGLY SUGGEST TO YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS FAILURE. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-23
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-27
- VIN: WAUBG84D2VN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER'S 1997 AUDI A8 QUATTRO ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. *NM *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-13
- VIN: WAUBG84D1VN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY 1997 AUDI A8 FAILED INTERNALLY AND WAS DISABLED IN IT'S ABILITY TO SPRING BACK FROM THE START POSITION. WITH THE SWITCH CONTACTS IN A POSITION BETWEEN START AND RUN, NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT WILL OPERATE. THIS INCLUDES THE HEADLIGHTS / TAILLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS , WIPERS AND OTHER SYSTEMS. THIS CONDITION CAN ALSO ALLOW THE STARTER TO REMAIN ENGAGED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. IN THIS INSTANCE, THIS OCCURRED THE FIRST TIME AT NIGHT WITH MY WIFE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS FAILURE REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVILED THAT THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED ON OTHER AUDI MODELS. THE NHTSA HAS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED RECALLS ON THE 1997 A6 (00V317000) AND 1996 A4 (96V017000) MODELS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CONTACTED AUDI USA CUSTOMER SERVICE (REPS. NAME- MEGAN) AND ENTERED A COMPLAINT - CASE#30325223 THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED BY AUDI USA THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE AUDI DEALER AT A COST OF $535.00 FULLY CHARGED TO ME. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUBG84D6VN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-24
- VIN: WAUBG84D0VN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING LOUD HUMMING NOISE FROM ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-13
- VIN: WAUBG84D0VN
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB OUT. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUBG84D5VN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE AT A RED LIGHT. CONSUMER HAS TO KEEP PUSHING BRAKES. TOOK TO DEALER 4 TIMES, AND EVERYTIME DEALER SAID ROTORS WERE DAMAGED. CONSUMER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 10000 MILES. *AK THE VEHICLE MAKER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE A8 ROTORS WEAR QUICKLY. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUZZZ4DZVN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-31
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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. *AK
1997 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- 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 CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- 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.
Negative 1997 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 1997 Audi A8 car reviews
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You've owned some impressive cars in the past, including the Lexus LS400, Mercedes S500, and BMW 750IL. However, it's clear that this car is your favourite to drive! The car handles ultra-smoothly at speeds in excess of 100 mph, making it perfect for the autobahn. It's also impressive that you're able to get over 25mph on the freeway! The Quattro is a real asset to the car, giving you confidence on snowy or rainy roads - something that many other luxury car makers struggle to match. Overall, this car is a great deal for anyone looking for ultimate safety and performance, especially if you're able to find a good deal on a used one.
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This car is truly amazing! It handles even better than a BMW and only the S55 Benz can outclass it in performance. Plus, you can't spin the wheels no matter what the conditions are. The A8 Roadside assistance is top-notch and the interior is super luxurious. The German engineering is well-thought-out in all departments. A+++++
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I owned this car for 3 months as a means of transportation until I could get a more suitable vehicle for work. The maintenance was a mixed bag, but it was easy to work on, although sometimes time-consuming. The only issue I had was with the fuel pump, which went out just as I was about to get my new car. Despite concerns about 'German reliability,' this car with 250k miles did its job and then some, surprising me with how well it held up. The transmission shifted a little too loosely for my taste, but a quick 5-minute recoding on a scantool or VAG fixed that real quick. As a used cheap daily under $2k, it's second only to my old LS400. If I had to, I would buy one again.
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Great car! I miss mine every day. I understand it can be expensive to maintain, but it's worth it.
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You've found yourself a great handling performance sedan that deserves high ratings, including excellent fuel economy at any speed. If you're looking to save some money, getting a used model is the best value play. Depreciation can be a bummer, but don't let that discourage you from enjoying all the great features this car has to offer!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Audi A8 problems:
Reliability of a 1997 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro | Audi-Sport.net
Oct 24, 2003 ... There are some common faults with A8's to be aware of. First up is common to all A6 & A8 quattros, the rear transmission oil seal, if this ...
1998 A8 reliability?
Jan 22, 2007 ... Always a risk for the transmission 97-03. Pretty common problem. Mine went out at about 60,000 miles (on my 97 A8). Head gasket went out at ...
1997 Audi A8 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Audi A8? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Audi A8.
Maintance and Common Problems - AudiForums.com
Sep 5, 2008 ... Audi A8 - Maintance and Common Problems - I will start with the D2 A8 97-03 MAINTENACE: 1. For the 4.2L and 3.7L engines you will need to ...
1997 Audi A8 Quattro Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
The Audi A8 Quattro Reliability Rating is 1.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 28th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $1,298 which ...
Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 1997 Audi A8?
Mckenna Barrows 2024-09-05
We have owned an A8 after a long series of Audi's. While we have had some issues with the car, we are confident that Audi will address them. We have had some problems with the electronics, and the transmissions have been known to be defective, but we are hopeful that Audi will take care of these issues. We have also had to replace the coolant and fuel lines, and the heater and AC could be better. We are currently having some AC repairs done, but we are confident that the car will be back to its best soon. We have also had some issues with the sunroof leaking, but we are hopeful that Audi will address this issue as well. Overall, we believe that the A8 is a good car, and we would recommend it to others.
Cristobal Raynor 2024-04-26
Congratulations on reaching 200,000 miles on your car! It sounds like it runs well and is very comfortable to drive. It must be a great car for student drivers to have fun in.