- 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
1990 Audi 80 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1990 Audi 80 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (6) and the electrical system (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 1997 for the sensor / control module-inactive. For comparison, the 1989 has 7 and the 1991 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 80 year, for its age
#118 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Audi 80 problems
Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Audi 80 recalls 3
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.
- The problem
- Improperly manufactured steering lock bolts could break if driver applies excessive force to a locked steering wheel in an attempt to disengage the steering lock.
- The risk
- Bolt breakage would cause steering wheel to remain locked even after the driver turns the ignition key and attempts to move the car; this total loss of steering control could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Replace complete steering lock assembly, including a modified lock bolt.
What owners say
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10 complaints about the 1990 Audi 80
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving at 55 mph the front wheels locked without warning. The dealer stated that the transaxle seized. *Ak *nm
There is an ignition problem. There is a screeching sound that other owners of later audi models have also complained about. Apparently there is a recall for the later models, but I am not aware of one for that. Http://www.Bba-reman.Com/auto-mine/audi/audia6_ignition_switch_problem.Htm
There is leakage in seal of the front axle shaft. I fear that if it continues then it could cause a big steering failure
Consumer noticed dripping of gas tank. Vehicle was taken to dealer who stated that leak caused by rust at top of fuel tank.*Ak
Bearings and seals malfunctioned causing leakage. Nlm
The differential failure was dur to "lack of oil in the chamber" the vehicle still had the original component and the record kept by the original owner indicate that no differential recall work was done on this vehicle. I contact audi of america's nation consumer office and they said there was no such recall on this vehicle
The battery died, called aaa and had the battery recharged. Then turned the ignition on and the driver's side airbag deployed, and threw the consumer more than 5 feet away into a brick wall. *Ak the air bag was deployed while jump starting the vehicle. As the result of air bag deploying, electrical components like alternator and battery were destroyed. *Yh
Recall on differential done on vehicle previously. Is still having the same problem with the vehicle high grinding noise, car slows down seems like hitting brakes but didn't. Took car to dealer and they say the entire transaxle has to be replaced. *Ak
While driving 60mph, automatic transmission locked up, almost resulting in a accident. *Ak
Steering column locked up while vehicle was moving, causing accident. *Dh
Audi 80: every year compared
All 80 years1990 Audi 80 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Audi 80 | 10 | 3 | F | |
| 1990 Audi V8 | 8 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi 100 | 5 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi Quattro | 5 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Audi 90 | 4 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi 200 | 3 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi Audi | 3 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi Coupe | 2 | 1 | D | 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 1990 Audi 80
Does the 1990 Audi 80 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1990 Audi 80: sensor / control module-inactive (October 1997); axle assembly (January 1993); anti-theft device (April 1990). 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 1990 Audi 80?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (6), electrical system (2), airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 Audi 80 had?
10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 12, 1994 and the latest on August 31, 2004. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Audi 80 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 6 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 1990 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