- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Audi Quattro Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1990 Audi Quattro with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (2) and the seats & seat belts (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1990 for the anti-theft device. For comparison, the 1989 has 0 and the 1991 has 6.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Quattro year, for its age
#144 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Audi Quattro problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Audi Quattro 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
- A securing clip on the outside of hinges of the left and right front seat back may not be properly seated due to interference with seat covering material.
- The risk
- An improperly secured clip could cause the seat backhinge to separate from its anchor in a rear-end accident and could result in an injury to occupant(s).
- The fix
- Realign seat covering material where interference is present.
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 1990 Audi Quattro
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
This complaint refers to existing campaign id 01v324000, my vehicle has same leaking capacitators in rear speakers, which cause a fire hazard, as vehicles in the recall but my model year was excluded from recall.*Ak
Failure of recalled throttle part. Kd recall nhtsa campaign id #96v084000 was performed on 08/01/96. On 08/10/98 this new "improved" cruise control bushing failed, while the engine throttle was in the full open position. The cruise control rod, attached to the throttle quadrant and now broken bushing, became jambed between the transmission housing and the throttle cable support assembly. The auto remained in the full throttle position, with the speed aproaching 80 mph, in 3 lanes of moderate 35 mph traffic. The...
Read the full complaint
brakes and transmission were used to bring the auto to a stop, not resulting in any accident but, resulting in damage to the transmission. Both the dealer and manufacurer were contacted on the day of this incident. The dealer confirmed that the new bushing does begin to crack within 2 years. To my knowledge the manufacturer does not consider this a serious issue. Under less favorable conditions this failure would have resulted in the automobiles speed being controlled by a fixed or other moving object(ie auto). Warning! This throttle arrangement may be common on newer models many having much more powerful/faster engines. Please get the word out or investigate for others. *Ak
While driving the vehicle had unwanted acceleration and overriding the braking system. Had to turn off the engine in order to stop due to a broken rod between the cruise control and the throttle control. *Ak
THE EXHAUST HANGER BROKE . TT
The front passenger seatbelt is cracked and no longer functions. Please explain. Tt
Audi Quattro: every year compared
All Quattro years1990 Audi Quattro vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Audi Quattro | 5 | 2 | D | |
| 1990 Audi 80 | 10 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi V8 | 8 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Audi 100 | 5 | 4 | F | 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 Quattro
Does the 1990 Audi Quattro have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 Audi Quattro: anti-theft device (April 1990); recliner (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 Quattro?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (2), seats & seat belts (1), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 Audi Quattro had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 20, 1995 and the latest on August 21, 2002. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Audi Quattro a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 31 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi Quattro 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 Quattro years have the most complaints?
1999 (21), 2002 (12), 1997 (11). See every Audi Quattro year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Audi Quattro 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