1997 Audi A4 1.8T FWD Auto
All photo credits
- Photo: 1996 Audi A4 SE 1.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1999 Audi A4 1.8 Front by Makizox, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 99-01 Audi A4 sedan by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1998 Audi A4 from Ireland (52916681931) by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1996 Audi A4 SE 1.8 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 Audi A4 1.8T FWD Auto is a 150-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 with a 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission w/auto shift lock, dynamic shift programming and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,990 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.
It makes 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).
The A4 measures 178.0 inches long on a 103.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,987 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $22,990 ($46,553 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Gas I4, 1.8L turbocharged (1.8T) |
| Displacement | 1.8 L |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Injection Type | SEFI (sequential electronic fuel injection) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission (Tiptronic) w/auto shift lock, dynamic shift programming |
| 1st Gear | 3.665 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.999 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.407 |
| 4th Gear | 1 |
| 5th Gear | 0.742 |
| Reverse | 4.096 |
| Final Drive | 3.73 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 21 MPG |
| Highway | 30 MPG |
| Combined | 20 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Four-link independent w/stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion-beam w/trailing arms |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 10.9 x 0.98 in. |
| Rear Brake Disc | 9.6 x 0.39 in. |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 15 x 7 |
| Wheels Rear | 15 x 7 |
| Tires Front | P195/65R15 |
| Tires Rear | P195/65R15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 178 in |
| Width | 68.2 in |
| Height | 55.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 103 in |
| Front Track | 58.9 in |
| Rear Track | 58.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.3 in |
| Cargo Volume | 13.7 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,987 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.1 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36.8 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.3 in |
| Legroom Rear | 33.4 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 54.7 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53.4 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 Audi A4 1.8T FWD Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
8 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Audi A4. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 1, 2022 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
NHTSA campaign 22V471000
Oct 23, 2006 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE ANCHOR POINT OF THE SPRING MAY CRACK. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW IGNITION SWITCH WITH AN OPTIMIZED ANCHOR POINT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES THE REMEDY PROGRAM UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 00V317).
NHTSA campaign 06V403000
Jun 29, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
NHTSA campaign 06E060000
May 24, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
NHTSA campaign 06E049000
Oct 11, 2000 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING CAN FRACTURE AT THE RETURN SPRING ANCHOR POINT. FRACTURE OF THE HOUSING COULD CAUSE THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign 00V317000
May 21, 1999 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
NHTSA campaign 99V131001
Oct 8, 1997 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA campaign 97V175000
Jul 22, 1997 · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, OR NOT REMAIN LOCKED AFTER BEING ENGAGED.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign 97V115000
99 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Audi A4
Owner Complaints
99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Audi A4 (7 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 34 |
| Suspension | 19 |
| Service Brakes | 14 |
| Hydraulic | 13 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 12 |
| Power Train | 5 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 AUDI A4. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.