1997 Audi A4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Audi A4, 5% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 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.
“Dt: periodically clutch will not realease and this disables consumer from driving. Sometimes when starting the car and other times when I shift on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10125158, filed 2005-06, 76,000 miles“While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Driver drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission control module needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10067375, filed 2004-04“Operation of this A4 configuration at speeds lower than 8 m.p.h. Requires either that the operator lug the engine (I.e., run at less than the recommended 1500 r.p.m. In first gear) or not close the clutch completely. This design defect has lead to excessive clutch wear, requiring two replacements in less than 52,000 miles and two incidents of clutch overheating, with smoke. A potential fire hazard exists if the vehicle is operated at less than 4 m.p.h. For an extended period (e.g., more than 30 minutes) as may be expected in certain metropolitan traffic jams. …”
NHTSA complaint #715480, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10123713Oct 5, 2015Vehicle will not communicate with diagnostic scan tool or emissions test equipment. Customers may have issues with vehicle passing state IM emissions test programs because the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 27% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 11 | 6% |
| 2006 | 14 | 5% |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 43 | 20% |
| 2002 | 16 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Audi A4
33 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
12 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 29, 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