Model year guide

1997 Audi A6

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Audi A6 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Audi A6 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Audi A6 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints21
Combined19 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Audi A6 recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #97V175000 · 08/10/1997

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #97V115000 · 22/07/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, OR NOT REMAIN LOCKED AFTER BEING ENGAGED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Audi A6 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1997 Audi A6 MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Audi A6 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Audi A6 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.8 quattro
Engines
2.8L 6-cyl 172 hp

1997 Audi A6 vehicles on record

1997 Audi A6 1997 Audi A6 2.8 quattroWAUGC84A6VN013057

Other Audi A6 model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996

1997 Audi A6 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Audi A6 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Audi A6?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, seats.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Audi A6 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Audi A6 at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 23 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.