1997 Audi A6
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1997 Audi A6. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Audi A6. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the rear seat belt retractors may not lock properly when engaged, or not remain locked after being engaged.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
20 complaints4 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
1997 audi A6 quattro. Filled up with gas at 8PM, parked car in driveway in front of garage. By 2PM next day there was a large puddle of gas (nearly 1/2 tank) located under the entire rear end of the car past the wheels more then 2 ft on both sides. The fumes could smelt over 5 ft away. I'm positive…
1997 audi A6 quattro. Filled up with gas at 8PM, parked car in driveway in front of garage. By 2PM next day there was a large puddle of gas (nearly 1/2 tank) located under the entire rear end of the car past the wheels more then 2 ft on both sides. The fumes could smelt over 5 ft away. I'm positive the slightest spark would've ignited the fuel, that would have destroyed the car, my neighbors and my garage. I took vehicle to my mechanic, he pointed out the leak, a port on the drivers side of the tank that has a hose attached to it IS cracked. He also informed me that the gas was leaking on my exhaust, traveling up the exhaust toward the engine, I was lucky that the heat didn't ignite the gas. mechanic told me there has been recalls for this exact issue, after calling, were informed this vehicle does not fall within the recall that has been issued. after doing hours of research I have found countless other vw/audi owners complaining their vehicle not included in recall even though its the exact same issue with the same part!! By using the audi parts website to look up other models its easy to see they use fuel tanks that have the same design issue but not covered in recall. please get vw/audi to include all of their vehicles that have the fuel tanks with the valve nipples that have proven to fail over and over. It should also be noted that there are reports of part failure after recall has been preformed and audi IS refusing to fix the issue after the fact forcing owners to pay out of pocket. just because no one complained about a make/model that IS using the same design flawed part shouldn't be an excuse not to issue or include in a recall! we shouldn't have to wait for something major to happen before a recall IS issued.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch stopped working causing the headlights, turn signals, and wipers to stop working. Car still operates and IS a danger if driving without turn signals or wipers without knowing. I have noticed this issue has occurred several times with this model and understand the A4 had a recall for…
Ignition switch stopped working causing the headlights, turn signals, and wipers to stop working. Car still operates and IS a danger if driving without turn signals or wipers without knowing. I have noticed this issue has occurred several times with this model and understand the A4 had a recall for this problem the same year. In which the ignition switch has the same part number as the failed switch in the A6 however audi did not issue a recall for the A6. *tr
- Electrical system · Seats
The rear seat was shifted by the occupant to attach a child's car seat to the passenger side rear seatbelt mounting brackets. the spring wires under the rear seat contacted both posts of the battery under the seat, igniting a fire, which spread through the entire rear seat of the car. the…
The rear seat was shifted by the occupant to attach a child's car seat to the passenger side rear seatbelt mounting brackets. the spring wires under the rear seat contacted both posts of the battery under the seat, igniting a fire, which spread through the entire rear seat of the car. the suspension wires of the rear seat were burned away by the arc. based upon the position of the rear seat reported by the witness, the seat wires lined up right on top of the battery terminals. there did not appear to be any insulating means between the terminals of the battery and the bottom of the seat suspension. *tr
- Electrical system · Equipment
I'm having a problem with the ignition switch on my car - a 97/audi/audi A6 white rco129. the key turns too far and you have to shift it back to get the gauges/electrical accessories (wipers, air conditioner, headlights, etc.) to function properly again. could this be related to the 1994-1996 A6 recall? *Tr
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
1997 audi A6, vehicle caught fire. *bf according to the police report, the fire appeared to have started in the battery compartment located underneath the right seat of the vehicle. Ohio traffic report # 10-0327-89
- Vehicle speed control
1997 audi A6 unintended acceleration - stuck throttle. Only way to stop car from moving was to turn off ignition. Audi dealer (suds - normal, illinois) found ice in throttle housing and was familiar with problem on other like-model audis. If I did not have presence of mind to turn off engine I would have run into cross traffic on busy six lane highway. *nm
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Dt*: the contact stated that the side view mirrors were cloudy. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the reflective material in the mirrors was peeling. there were no repairs made. the manufacturer was also notified. updated 9/5/2006 - the dealer refused to replaced the mirror free of charge. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Associated with complaint ID 345606/recall id#00v317000 audi 1997 A6 wagon with the same symptoms. I replaced my ignition switch several times and it would stay engaged and the key would get stuck in the ignition. This particular time the car was being started and it burst in to flames. the fire…
Associated with complaint ID 345606/recall id#00v317000 audi 1997 A6 wagon with the same symptoms. I replaced my ignition switch several times and it would stay engaged and the key would get stuck in the ignition. This particular time the car was being started and it burst in to flames. the fire dept put the fire out and I had the car towed to the dealer. starter was burned up and so IS the motormount IS as much as I know for now, iam sure there's more. Car IS still at dealer and audi of america (hq) says that they cannot promise me anything. made it known that I was afraid to have a car that would catch on fire with my two kids and i. Was repeatedly told that my car didnt have a recall on it by the dealer and that the same part was not being used as in audi A4, even after I mentioned the audi 1997 earlier complaint. Audi IS being very insensitive to the situation and things are not happening very fast. I receive several inquiries about the same info over and over as if the dealer and hq are not connecting. The insurance agent and myself are not receiving timely call backs for the last couple weeks. I am very afraid of this car, please help!!! I know that decisions are made at hq so I really need their help. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch has malfunctioned many times, causing headlamps to flicker or simply not function. the switch now has malfunctioned to the point of no longer allowing the headlamps to function. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
I have a "sticky" ignition switch, you have to manually turn it back to run or the starter stays engaged. I have not corrected the problem yet. it seems to be a common failure and was a recall item on other models. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I drive a 1997, A6 audi quattro station wagon. Over the past 2 winters, I have had 2 very similar incidents. On extremely cold mornings while driving into work the car accelerated on its own. Each time I had to pull off the road, throw the car into neutral and shut to car off. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
97 audi A6 avant has faulty ignition switch that results in failure of multiple electronic components . *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch failed. it's a well-known problem. go to http://www.audiworld.com/search/ and put 'ignition switch' in and see how many people have had this same problem and yet there's a recall on the A4, but not the A6.*AK
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Audi of america replaced ignition switches on 1997 A4 model cars as part of a recall program. The 1997 audi A6 uses the same ignition switch as the audi A4, but the A6 was not included in the recall with the A4. The symptoms of the failing switch are the same with both A4 and A6 models. It would…
Audi of america replaced ignition switches on 1997 A4 model cars as part of a recall program. The 1997 audi A6 uses the same ignition switch as the audi A4, but the A6 was not included in the recall with the A4. The symptoms of the failing switch are the same with both A4 and A6 models. It would seem prudent by audi to replace the ignition switches on the A6 model cars as part of the same recall program as they did with the A4 model, especially scince the ignition switches are the same part number.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Plastic ignition switch breaks and key will not return to normal position, resulting in loss of turn signals, lights, wipers. attempted reset my turn car off while moving.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery under rear seat shorted due to malfunction or contact with wires on bottom of seat cushion due to inadequate clearance between battery and cushion. fire preceeded by lights flashing on and off and moon roof opening and closing. smoke came up from under rear seat where my 14 year old daughter was seated. fire extinguished probably due to lack of 0xygen. dealer reports mechanic has seen prior case similar.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Key did not return to neutral position after starting vehicle. mechanic has replaced ignition switch.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission will not go into gear correctly. dealer will inspect vehicle.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Numerous electrical failures and malfunctions including replacement of ignition switch, 2 batteries, 2 alternators, a/c fan relays and fans, numerous wiring "reroutes"; problems still exist. Car looses electrical power while driving without warning. Cannot be restarted.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Low beam design causes the headlights to be very dim which may cause visual difficulty, and may result in a crash. please provide further information. *Ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
- 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10164518This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10163501This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128399Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10128350This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10128222Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support dealers in USA and Canada.
- 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10127856This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
- 10124898This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
- 10124751Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
- 10124690This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
- 10123901Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center
- 10123882Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123764Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123713Vehicle 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 scan tool cannot communicate with the vehicle. ABS and/or brake lamp(s) will be illuminated in IP cluster. Broken ground bond wire within the ABS module (ABS 5.3 system) causes diagnostic communication issues with the ABS module, ECM, and TCM. Brake system and ABS system functionality are not affected by the broken ground circuit. This bulletin only addresses the communication issue (broken ground circuit) between the vehicle and the diagnostic scan tool described above. This bulletin does not address any subsequent vehicle diagnostic system issues that may exist. OBD system works normally; emission or diagnostic critical malfunctions will be indicated by MIL illumination. ABS system is not functionally affected by the broken ground circuit.
- 10123587Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10122766Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation. The headlight circulation system allows air from the outside to flow through the headlights. This open waterprotected ventilation system (needed for pressure compensation) creates different climate zones in the headlight: very warm areas, where the lens is warmed up by the light, and relatively cool areas, where the lens is cooled own by the air flow. Considerable differences in humidity and temperature between the inside and the outside of the headlights, even while driving, can lead to condensation. This is especially true in cold and wet weather, but it can also happen after a car wash, after steam cleaning the engine or the front end, with overnight temperature changes, etc. This phenomenon is more visible on lenses made of clear glass than on lenses with patterns. The moisture does not affect the headlight function (light performance) and does not lead to corrosion or other damage to headlight parts.
- 10122524Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 10122415Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10121408Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel bolts. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to attain the correct wheel bolt torque and follow the proper wheel tightening procedure as outlined in Elsa. Proper use of a calibrated torque wrench ensures that all wheel bolts are tightened equally and reduces the chances of repeat repairs. Using methods other than a calibrated torque wrench to attain correct wheel bolt torque may lead to problems.
- 10121365Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating process has completed. As a result, the socket can become inoperative when used as a power outlet.
- 10120682Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. This bulletin applies only to non-diesel engines.
- 10120003Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens.
- 10119946Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 504 00/507 00).
- 10058584Audi: engine, on some vehicles, would run irregularly or have malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on or possible filter element for camshaft adjustment valve can loosen and in oil circuit, there IS no damage from loosened particles. Model all. All years.
- 10054859Audi: on certain vehicles, use calibrated torque wrench and not torque sticks, torque extension bars and impact guns/wrenches not approved for usage on wheel bolts by manufacturer, that can cause damage to brake, steering wheel, hub. Model 1995-2014 all.
- 10032250Audio: exterior lights, moisture accumulation. Condensation IS visible on the inside of headlights, taillights, fog lights, side marker lights, front turn signal or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation.
- 10027923Audi: wheel bolts require torque adjustment. Torque sticks and torque extension bars are not approved by audi of america, inc. And should not be used to apply torque to wheel bolts. All audi models included.
- 10025703Exterior lights, mositure accumulation.
- 10023948Exterior lights, moisture accumulation.
- 10022141Headlight aiming, using hella universal beamsetter.
Every Audi A6 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.