1997 Audi A4 Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1997 Audi A4. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 22V471000Jul 1, 202228,624 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
  Covers: Audi A4 1997–1998, A8 1998

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible 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…

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• 06V403000Oct 23, 200628,594 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
  Covers: Audi A4 1996–1997

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible 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).

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• 00V317000Oct 11, 200027,900 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
  Covers: Audi A4 1996–1997

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible consequence: This condition causes electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

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• 99V131001May 21, 199988,121 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  Covers: Audi A4 1997–1999, Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A6 1998–1999

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible 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.

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• 97V175000Oct 8, 199739,300 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal
  Covers: Audi A4 1995–1997, 90 1995–1997, A6 1995–1997 +2 more

  Reported issue: 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.

  Possible 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.

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• 97V115000Jul 22, 199712 vehicles potentially affected
  Seat belts › Rear/other
  Covers: Audi A4 1997, A6 1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.

  Possible 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.

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NHTSA investigations

• EA00021Degraded braking in wet weatherClosed · Aug 11, 2000
• PE00016Degraded braking wet weather conditionClosed · Apr 4, 2000
• RQ00009Ignition switchClosed · Mar 21, 2000
• RQ99008Power brake booster vacuum by-passClosed · Jun 1, 1999

← All problems reported for the 1997 Audi A4