Two problems related to starter have been reported for the 1997 Audi A6. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Associated with complaint id 345606/recall id#00v317000 Audi 1997 A6 wagon with the same symptoms. I replaced my ignition switch several times and it would stay engaged and the key would get stuck in the ignition. This particular time the car was being started and it burst in to flames. The fire dept put the fire out and I had the car towed to the dealer. Starter was burned up and so is the motormount is as much as I know for now, iam sure there's more. Car is still at dealer and Audi of America (hq) says that they cannot promise me anything. Made it known that I was afraid to have a car that would catch on fire with my two kids and I. Was repeatedly told that my car didnt have a recall on it by the dealer and that the same part was not being used as in Audi a4, even after I mentioned the Audi 1997 earlier complaint. Audi is being very insensitive to the situation and things are not happening very fast. I receive several inquiries about the same info over and over as if the dealer and hq are not connecting. The insurance agent and myself are not receiving timely call backs for the last couple weeks. I am very afraid of this car, please help!!! I know that decisions are made at hq so I really need their help.
I have a "sticky" ignition switch, you have to manually turn it back to run or the starter stays engaged. I have not corrected the problem yet. It seems to be a common failure and was a recall item on other models.