The 1997 Audi A8 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 53,200 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
POWER TRAIN08V3970002008-08-1413,900 affected
Defect
VOLKSWAGEN 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 TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Consequence
THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
AIR BAGS97V1750001997-10-0839,300 affected
Defect
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.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
1
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
1
Total complaints12
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“My 1997 audi a8 has air bag light display in the center of the instrument panel. On a recent visit to the audi dealership, I was told by the service advisor that they have reset the fault code. Wherever, soon after that the warning light came up again and stay on now. I searched the web and found…”
“My 1997 audi a8 is equipped with a vehicle jack that is grossly inadequate for changing a tire and is hazardous to anyone using it-- it is prone to collapse. Many users of this jack have experienced collapse, and audi does not care to do anything about it. *jb”
“Vehicle was pulling out in reverse when all of a sudden the bumper got caught on something and ripped out completely. Consumer anticipated that the vehicle was designed too low, and had informed the manufacturer.*ak”
“While driving the consumer's 1997 audi a8 quattro accelerated suddenly. *nm *nm”
“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…”
“Transmission was defective causing loud humming noise from engine while driving. Nlm”
“Rear brake light bulb out. Nlm”
“While applying the brakes to park this vehicle it suddenly accelerated. Vehicle came to a stop after being wedged in between two parked vehicles. Dealer has been contacted. *ak”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Audi A8 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.