- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
- The risk
- In the event the sensor should malfunction, the air bag restraint system can inadvertently deploy. Deployment of the air bag restraint system without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Audi 80 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1989 Audi 80 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (6) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 1997 for the sensor / control module-inactive. For comparison, the 1988 has 4 and the 1990 has 10.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 80 year, for its age
#114 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Audi 80 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Audi 80 recalls 2
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
- 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.
What owners say
Be the first 80 owner to share.
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7 complaints about the 1989 Audi 80
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
NO SUMMARY
Differential failed due to evaporation of the oil, (recall, however vehicle denied # 93v-006).
While driving master cylinder malfunction, causing brakes to fail, resulting in a minor collision. *Ak
Transaxle failed, causing vehicle to skid to a stop.
Transaxle/transmission assembly failed due to lack of differential fluid prior to recall, repairs were never done (93v-006). *Ak
The vehicle has been recalled three years ago for the transmission. Now the transmission damaged again due to low oil. Please describe. Tt
Oil lubricating transaxle gears was lost due to evaporation, causing vehicle noise prior to/after recall repairs (93v-006). *Ak
Audi 80: every year compared
All 80 years1989 Audi 80 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Audi 80 | 7 | 2 | F | |
| 1989 Audi 200 | 5 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Audi 100 | 4 | 3 | F | 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 1989 Audi 80
Does the 1989 Audi 80 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 Audi 80: sensor / control module-inactive (October 1997); 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 1989 Audi 80?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (6), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 1989 Audi 80 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 12, 1995 and the latest on July 11, 1999. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Audi 80 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 15 out of 100 (grade F: far 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 1989 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