While driving at 55 MPH the front wheels locked without warning. The dealer stated that the transaxle seized. *ak
The worst 1990 Audi 80 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission6
- Electrical2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission6
- Electrical2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Recall number 97V172000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
Recall number 93V006000 · Recall details
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- Replace complete steering lock assembly, including a modified lock bolt.
Recall number 90V070000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1990 Audi 80
Defect investigations
Inadver.air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
EA94026
Inadvertent air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
PE94023
What 1990 Audi 80 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
While driving 60mph, automatic transmission locked up, almost resulting in a accident.
Compare the 1990 Audi 80
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 Audi 80
Is the 1990 Audi 80 reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1990 Audi 80, 4.5 times a typical 80 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Audi 80?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1990 Audi 80 have?
3 recalls, covering air bags, power train and steering.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1990 Audi 80?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history