1997 Audi A8

The 1997 Audi A8 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The 3.7L V8 engine produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.2L V8 engine produced 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Overall, the 1997 Audi A8 is a well-built and reliable vehicle. However, there are a few common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• 3.7L V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a loss of power, rough idling, and check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Timing belt tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt tensioner can fail, causing the timing belt to skip or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt tensioner and timing belt.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• 4.2L V8
  • No major issues found

Transmission

• 5-speed automatic
  • Torque converter shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder during acceleration or deceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
• 6-speed manual
  • No major issues found

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front suspension struts can fail, causing a loss of ride comfort and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to stall.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Exterior

• No major issues found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater core can fail, causing a loss of heat in the cabin.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Audi A8 is a reliable vehicle. However, there are a few common issues that owners should be aware of. The most serious issue is the timing belt tensioner failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The other issues are relatively minor and can be fixed for a reasonable cost.