- The problem
- The differential oil of the transaxle is lost over time due to evaporation. Low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventual failure of the differential.
- The risk
- In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- The fix
- Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
Vehicle safety record
1988 Audi 80 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1988 Audi 80 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (1) and the visibility & wipers (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in January 1993 for the axle assembly. For comparison, the 1987 has 0 and the 1989 has 7.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 80 year, for its age
#122 most complained-about 1988 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1988 Audi 80 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1988 Audi 80 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first 80 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
4 complaints about the 1988 Audi 80
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Master cylinder leaked, took to dealer and he replaced master cylinder. *Ak
Differential damaged, causing low fluid level, prior to recall, recall repairs refused due to vehicle not being serviced by audi dealer. *Dsh
Driver and passenger door cannot be opened from the inside. Tt
Vehicles heater core is defective and is leaking hot liquid on driver and passenger side floors.The windows are also fogging. Tt
Audi 80: every year compared
All 80 years1988 Audi 80 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Audi 80 | 4 | 1 | D | |
| 1988 Audi 90 | 4 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1988 Audi 5000 | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1988 Audi 80
Does the 1988 Audi 80 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1988 Audi 80: axle assembly (January 1993). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Audi 80?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (1), visibility & wipers (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 1988 Audi 80 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 5, 1995 and the latest on March 19, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1988 Audi 80 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi 80 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi 80 years have the most complaints?
1990 (10), 1989 (7), 1988 (4). See every Audi 80 year compared.
What should I do if my 1988 Audi 80 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data