1997 Audi Cabriolet problems
The Audi Coupé was a liftback coupé version of the Audi 80, first shown in 1980. The bodywork was shared with the Audi Quattro. The second generation Coupé arrived in late 1988 and was based on the B3 Audi 80, albeit with a different suspension. The Coupé remained in production until the end of 1996 and spawned the Audi S2 series of sports versions. A convertible model arrived in 1991, called simply the Cabriolet, and remained in production until 2000.
Coupé B2 (1980)
The Audi Coupé (B2, Typ 81/85) was a two-door coupé produced and sold by Audi from 1980 to 1988. It was offered as a less expensive version of its turbocharged, permanent four-wheel drive Audi Quattro without turbocharger(s) or four wheel drive. Later, quattro was added as an option (Typ 85). Typ 81 was the internal model code for front-wheel drive Audi Coupés.
The Coupé, first displayed at the Paris Salon 1980, featured a similar body shape to the Quattro, but without the knife-edged fender flares of the more expensive car. Mechanically, the biggest changes from the Quattro to the Coupé were the use of a naturally aspirated 1.9-litre carburettor petrol engine, 2.0-litre, 2.1-, 2.2-, or 2.3-litre fuel injected inline five-cylinder engine and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. Some lesser Coupés were also fitted with a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine, injected or carburetted, and for the very first year of production a 1.6-litre "YN" 75 PS (55 kW) engine was available. The short-lived 1.6 was the only Coupé not to be fitted with a black rear spoiler.
The Coupé was available as just plain "Coupé" or GL (four-cylinders only), "Coupé GT", and "Coupé quattro" (without the GT tag). From 1986 until the end of production in late 1988, the Coupé GT was also available with the 110–112 PS (81–82 kW) 1.8-litre PV/DZ inline-four best known from the Golf GTi. For the last model year, the new 2309 cc "NG" five cylinder was available, offering 136 PS (100 kW) at 5600 rpm. This engine became available during 1987 for the last of the Audi Coupés sold in the US, where it produced 130 hp (97 kW) at 5,700 rpm as opposed to the 110 hp (82 kW) at 5500 rpm available from the 2.2-litre five which had been used since the facelift for model year 1985. The Coupé had originally gone on sale in the US late in model year 1981 with the 100 hp (75 kW) 2144 cc five-cylinder also used in the 5000 (Audi 100).
For the 1983 model year, European models switched from having two separate headlamps to large integrated Bosch units. Apart from changing the appearance, this also provided improved aerodynamics and better lighting.
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Common 1997 Audi Cabriolet problems
The 1997 Audi Cabriolet, a popular convertible, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. Here are the main issues and their details:
- Non-Functional Gauges: The rev counter and temperature gauge on the left side of the dashboard may not work or move at all. This issue might be due to a loose connection, and safely removing the cluster and checking the connection points of sensors is recommended.
- Window Motor Malfunction: The driver window may not respond to the switch, and no sound is heard when attempting to pull the window down. This issue could be due to a faulty window motor, which may need replacement.
- Roof Mechanism Failure: The roof may open from the center handle, but it does not move when the switch is clicked to take the roof down. This issue might be related to the driver window malfunction, as the roof mechanism may not respond due to the non-functional driver window.
- Boot Lid Malfunction: The boot lid may not open, despite attempts at different rotations and clicks. This issue might be related to the roof and driver window issues, as it could be caused by a malfunctioning latch or actuator.
- Incorrect Gauge Readings: The gauges at the center, in front of the gear stick, may not give correct readings, with the oil pressure always stuck at maximum and the oil temperature dial not moving from minimum. This issue might be due to faulty sensors or wiring.
- Steering Rack Leak: Some 1997 Audi Cabriolet owners have reported steam pouring from the engine compartment, indicating a leaking steering rack that needs replacement.
- Transmission Failure: Within a short period, the transmission may burn up, requiring a rebuild, which can cost between $3000 and $3500.
- Master Cylinder Failure: The master cylinder may fail, requiring replacement, which can cost around $450.
These issues are based on complaints from owners of the 1997 Audi Cabriolet and may not represent all cars of this model. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or rectify these problems, ensuring the car's longevity and performance.
1997 Audi Cabriolet car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Cabriolet problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Audi Cabriolet vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Audi Cabriolet complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Audi Cabriolet.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-16
- VIN: WAUAA88G8VN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND FAILED TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION, WHICH CREATED EXCESSIVE SPEED. *AK *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-27
- VIN: WAUAA88G0VN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING LINKAGE FAILED. WHILE PULLING OUT ODF A DRIVEWAY, THE LINKAGE BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND RACK BROKE RENDERING THE CAR UNSTEERABLE. THE STEERING WHEELL SIMPLE SPUN. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT OCCUR AT HIGH SPEED. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT SAID IT WAS " NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE HIGH MILEAGE AND IS MAINTAINED BY AUDI. I HAVE THE BROKEN PART FOR YOUR INSPECTION. IT IS BROKEN IN TWO.
1997 Audi Cabriolet recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Audi Cabriolet.
- 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.
Other years of Audi Cabriolet
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