1997 Audi A8 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Audi A8, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving there was a terrible noise coming from vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer feels transmission has a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10002547, filed 2003-01, 57,000 miles“We want information regarding the odometer rollback (changing from kilometers to miles). Does this constitute odometer fraud if sticker was not on the door when we purchased this vehicle? We want to know if all legal requirements were met for importation to the u. S. From mexico in 1999. And were all taxes and/or penalties paid in full? Also were all document requirements complied with? Vehicle id number is not on the dash on left-hand side, visible from outside.”
NHTSA complaint #735848, filed 2000-11“Brakes would not stop vehicle at a red light. Consumer has to keep pushing brakes. Took to dealer 4 times, and everytime dealer said rotors were damaged. Consumer stated that transmission went out at 10000 miles. The vehicle maker acknowledged that the A8 rotors wear quickly.”
NHTSA complaint #875245, filed 2000-11Related recalls
- 08V397000Aug 14, 2008Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over…Covers: Audi A8 1996–2003
Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 1 | 13% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% |
| 2011 | 1 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 25% |
| 2001 | 2 | 33% |
| 1999 | 2 | 22% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1997 Audi A8
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
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 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