1997 Audi A8 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 10%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Audi A8, 10% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,700 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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028551, filed 2003-07, 63,700 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 8 | 57% |
| 2015 | 3 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 9% |
| 2011 | 4 | 27% |
| 2009 | 1 | 20% |
| 2006 | 2 | 33% |
| 2005 | 1 | 17% |
| 2004 | 4 | 20% |
| 2001 | 1 | 17% |
| 1999 | 2 | 22% |
| 1997 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Audi A8
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Audi A8
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