1997 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 12%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Audi A4, 12% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have experienced an oil sludge related failure on our 1997 Audi A4. Ingrid evert, from the office of Audi of america's mark trahan, has told me that my car will not be covered by their extended warranty, despite the fact that my car is within the VIN range affected by what is, in her words, a manufacturing defect . Her reason for refusal is the fact that I change my own oil and thus lack receipts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100490, filed 2004-11, 89,000 miles“Timing belt tensioner failed at 64k. Mechanic said that the timing belt was virtually under no tension and would have failed immediately if not caught by a vibrating sound from idle to 2200rpm.”
NHTSA complaint #10007751, filed 2003-02, 64,000 miles“I have contacted Audi of america several times because I do not feel I should be responsible for the charges incurred of approximately $4000. Due to the fact the new tensionser purchased from the dealer is totally different then the original and due to the failed tensioner / timing belt damaged my cylinder head and valves.”
NHTSA complaint #756903, filed 2002-01“I was told by the dealer that the control arms are failing because Audi didn't provide for lubrication points.. They had no explanation for the loss of the engine mount bolts, and could not respond when I said I had never owned a car that had lost it's engine mount bolts.. Obviously this has also got to be a problem caused by poor design and engine vibration.. These bolts should be safety wired to prevent this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #725831, filed 2000-07“Timing belt had to be replaced at 60,000 miles which interfered with engine valves, valves were bent. While traveling the engine stopped running. Vehicle was towed to the mechanic and identified that the starter was broken. The starter was replaced but further diagnosis LED to finding that the timing belt broke which caused the starter to fail, bending valves and damaging the head. All were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8006653, filed 2002-03Related service bulletins
- 10123764Sep 8, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been…
- 10128399Jul 7, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10119946Mar 6, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505…
- 10120682Feb 13, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase…
- 10231130Jun 30, 2014Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10122415Jun 20, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10216662Jun 20, 2013Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10123587Jun 20, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10216656Apr 25, 2013Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10123882Mar 25, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 28 | 15% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 28 | 15% |
| 1998 | 28 | 11% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Audi A4
33 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology