1997 Audi A8
US · Midsize Cars
The 1997 Audi A8 is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder (FFS), 4.2L 8-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder (FFS), 4.2L 8-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 3.7 L to 4.2 L | |
| Cylinders | 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 5 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 5, 2026.
08V397000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
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.
Reported August 14, 2008. View on NHTSA
97V175000: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Reported October 8, 1997. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1998 Audi A8
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder, 4.2L 8-cylinder · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1997 Audi A8 have?
Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.2L 8-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1997 Audi A8?
Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1997 Audi A8 front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD.
Are there recalls for the 1997 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 5, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.