1988 Audi 90 problems
The Audi 80 is a compact executive car produced by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group across four generations from 1966 to 1996. It shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat from 1973 to 1986 and was available as a saloon, and station wagon — the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. The coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range, but used a derivative of the same platforms.
In North America and Australia, the 80 was marketed as the Audi Fox for model years 1973–79, as the Audi 4000 for model years 1980–87 in the USA, as Audi 4000 5+5 from 1981 in the USA, and Audi 5+5 in Australia during 1981 through 1983.
The Audi 90 was an upmarket version of the Audi 80, although all North American sedans of the B4 generation were called Audi 90.
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Common 1988 Audi 90 problems
The Audi 90, particularly the 1988 model, is known to have several common issues that can affect its performance and longevity. These problems can be categorized into engine issues, electrical issues, suspension and brake problems, fuel system issues, and cooling system problems.
One of the most common engine issues in the Audi 90 is oil leaks and burning oil. This problem can be caused by worn-out gaskets, seals, or engine components that can allow oil to escape and cause damage to the engine. In some cases, the oil leak can also cause the engine to burn oil, which can lead to a decrease in engine performance and an increase in emissions.
Another common engine issue in the Audi 90 is overheating and radiator failure. This problem can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a leaking cooling system. Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, including warped cylinder heads and seized engine components.
Electrical issues are also common in the Audi 90, particularly in the second-generation models (1991-1995). These issues can include battery and charging problems, ignition switch failure, and instrument cluster malfunction. Battery and charging problems can be caused by a faulty alternator, a weak battery, or corroded electrical connections. Ignition switch failure can cause the car to stall or not start at all. Instrument cluster malfunction can cause the dashboard lights and gauges to malfunction or not work at all.
Suspension and brake problems are also common in the Audi 90. These problems can include worn suspension bushings and components, brake pad and rotor wear, and steering rack failure. Worn suspension bushings and components can cause the car to handle poorly and make noise when driving over bumps. Brake pad and rotor wear can cause the brakes to become less effective and make noise when braking. Steering rack failure can cause the car to steer poorly and make noise when turning.
Fuel system issues are also common in the Audi 90, particularly in the first-generation models (1988-1991). These issues can include fuel pump failure, fuel injector clogging, and fuel filter replacement. Fuel pump failure can cause the car to stall or not start at all. Fuel injector clogging can cause the engine to run poorly and produce increased emissions. Fuel filter replacement is necessary to maintain the fuel system and prevent fuel injector clogging.
Cooling system problems are also common in the Audi 90, particularly in the first-generation models (1988-1991). These problems can include thermostat failure, coolant leak diagnosis and repair, and radiator and water pump replacement. Thermostat failure can cause the engine to overheat and produce increased emissions. Coolant leak diagnosis and repair is necessary to maintain the cooling system and prevent engine damage. Radiator and water pump replacement is necessary to maintain the cooling system and prevent engine damage.
In summary, the Audi 90 is known to have several common issues that can affect its performance and longevity. These issues can be categorized into engine issues, electrical issues, suspension and brake problems, fuel system issues, and cooling system problems. Regular maintenance and care, including regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections and replacements, and fluid checks and top-offs, can help prevent these issues and ensure the best possible performance and longevity of the Audi 90.
1988 Audi 90 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi 90 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Audi 90 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Audi 90 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Audi 90.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUGO891JA1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUGB0898JA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WAUGB0897JA
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED AS VEHICLE WA SENTERING GAS STATION, WINDSHIELD BECAME FOGGED UP AND DRIVER'S RIGHT FOOT WAS BURNED BY HOT COOLANT. *AK
1988 Audi 90 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Audi 90.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Other years of Audi 90
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