Two problems related to ignition have been reported for the 1997 Audi A4. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Upon starting the car, it made a noise as though the key was still in starting position. The car drove okay, but the wipers, headlights, digital odometer, everything electric would not work. I went to work, planning to bring the car to the dealer later that day. When I returned to my car at lunch time, the key would not even go into the ignition. After calling aaa, and having 3 different tow trucks, no one was able to tow the car bause it has all wheel drive and I could not get the car on to put it in nuetral. I then called every locksmith in the phonebook until one finally stopped by. He was able to lubricate the key and get it in the ignition. Upon doing so he told me that the housing was probably fracture and out of place. I drove it straight to the dealer, where I was not informed of the ignition recall, and charged $542 to replace the electrical switch and housing of the ignition. I later discovered on my own that it was a recall on my car. I contacted the dealer who told me to contact Audi headquarters. I spoke to two different representative who were both very rude. I then sent Audi a copy of my bill and requested that they reimburse my costs for the defected parts. They refused to reimburse me. I have contacted the massachusetts general dept of consumer affairs. They informed me that by law, Audi should reimburse me and if not that I should pursue legal action. I have re-sent my bill to Audi, and if within 30 days, I have not been reimbursed, they will be seeing me in court.
Both the cruise control and the headlight washer vaccum pumps shorted out at the same time after 40000 miles. Nothing was done by the owners other then normal driving the might be associated with the number of ingintion switches problems noted on Audi 4's.