1990 Audi 80: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2002
“There is leakage in seal of the front axle shaft. I fear that if it continues then it could cause a big steering failure”Owner report · Power Train · May 2002
“Consumer noticed dripping of gas tank. Vehicle was taken to dealer who stated that leak caused by rust at top of fuel tank.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2000
Show 3 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 1998
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1997
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.
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.
Remedy: DRAIN AND REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL WITH OIL HAVING HIGHER PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING A MODIFIED LOCK BOLT.
Check your exact 80 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Audi 80 reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Audi 80. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1990 Audi 80 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.