- 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 90 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1988 Audi 90 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1) and the steering (1). Those complaints describe 1 injury. 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 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 90 year, for its age
#122 most complained-about 1988 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1988 Audi 90 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1988 Audi 90 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
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4 complaints about the 1988 Audi 90
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
NO SUMMARY
The anti-theft locking mechanism that engages when the vehicle is shut off, sometimes engages while driving, causing steering to malfunction.The dealer has been contacted. *Ak
When the brakes are applied the brakes lose pressure and go to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has not been notified. *Ak
Heater core failed as vehicle wa sentering gas station, windshield became fogged up and driver's right foot was burned by hot coolant. *Ak
Audi 90: every year compared
All 90 years1988 Audi 90 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Audi 90 | 4 | 1 | D | |
| 1988 Audi 80 | 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 90
Does the 1988 Audi 90 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1988 Audi 90: 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 90?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1), steering (1), visibility & wipers (1).
How many complaints has the 1988 Audi 90 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 10, 1996 and the latest on September 22, 2000. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1988 Audi 90 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi 90 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 90 years have the most complaints?
1995 (18), 1993 (16), 1994 (13). See every Audi 90 year compared.
What should I do if my 1988 Audi 90 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