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1993 Audi 90 problems

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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.

1993 Audi 90

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Common 1993 Audi 90 problems

The Audi 90, produced between 1984 and 1995, is known for several common issues that affect its performance and reliability. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems and their details:

Engine Problems

  • Overheating and Radiator Failure: Overheating is a significant issue in the Audi 90, especially in the first generation. This problem can be caused by a faulty radiator, thermostat, or cooling system components.
  • Misfires and Poor Performance: Misfires and poor performance can be caused by various issues, including clogged fuel injectors, faulty ignition components, or vacuum leaks.

Electrical Issues

  • Battery and Charging Problems: Battery and charging problems can be caused by a faulty alternator, battery, or wiring issues.
  • Ignition Switch Failure: Ignition switch failure can lead to starting problems or electrical issues in the Audi 90.
  • Instrument Cluster Malfunction: Instrument cluster malfunctions can cause various issues, including gauges not working, warning lights not illuminating, or other electrical problems.

Suspension and Brake Problems

  • Worn Suspension Bushings and Components: Worn suspension bushings and components can cause various issues, including poor handling, vibrations, or noise.
  • Brake Pad and Rotor Wear: Brake pad and rotor wear are common issues in the Audi 90, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance and replacement of brake components are essential for safe and reliable operation.
  • Steering Rack Failure: Steering rack failure can cause various issues, including poor steering feel, noise, or loss of steering control.

Transmission and Drivetrain Issues

  • Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting: Transmission slipping and harsh shifting can be caused by various issues, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch components, or internal transmission failures.
  • Differential Noise and Failure: Differential noise and failure can be caused by various issues, including worn-out gears, bearings, or seals.
  • CV Joint and Boot Wear: CV joint and boot wear are common issues in the Audi 90, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance and replacement of CV joint components are essential for safe and reliable operation.

Body and Interior Problems

  • Door Lock and Window Regulator Failures: Door lock and window regulator failures are common issues in the Audi 90, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components are essential for safe and reliable operation.
  • Sunroof Malfunctions: Sunroof malfunctions can be caused by various issues, including worn-out motors, cables, or seals.
  • Seat and Upholstery Wear: Seat and upholstery wear are common issues in the Audi 90, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components are essential for safe and reliable operation.

Fuel System Issues

  • Fuel Pump Failure: Fuel pump failure can cause various issues, including starting problems, poor performance, or stalling.
  • Fuel Injector Clogging and Replacement: Fuel injector clogging and replacement can be caused by various issues, including poor fuel quality, lack of maintenance, or internal fuel injector failures.
  • Fuel Filter Replacement: Fuel filter replacement is essential for safe and reliable operation in the Audi 90. Regular maintenance and replacement of fuel filters are essential for safe and reliable operation.

Cooling System Problems

  • Thermostat Failure and Replacement: Thermostat failure and replacement can be caused by various issues, including worn-out thermostats, cooling system leaks, or internal cooling system failures.
  • Coolant Leak Diagnosis and Repair: Coolant leak diagnosis and repair are essential for safe and reliable operation in the Audi 90. Regular maintenance and replacement of coolant components are essential for safe and reliable operation.
  • Radiator and Water Pump Replacement: Radiator and water pump replacement are essential for safe and reliable operation in the Audi 90. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components are essential for safe and reliable operation.

Common Electrical and Electronic Issues

  • Check Engine Light Diagnostics: Check engine light diagnostics are essential for safe and reliable operation in the Audi 90. Regular maintenance and replacement of faulty components are essential for safe and reliable operation.
  • Blown Fuses and Relay Issues: Blown fuses and relay issues can be caused by various issues, including electrical overloads, faulty wiring, or internal relay failures.
  • Alternator and Starter Problems: Alternator and starter problems can be caused by various issues, including worn-out components, electrical issues, or internal failures.

These are some of the most common issues reported by Audi 90 owners. Regular maintenance and replacement of faulty components are essential for safe and reliable operation in the Audi 90. If issues arise, it is important to diagnose and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage and expense.

1993 Audi 90 engine

1993 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:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Audi 90 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Audi 90 complaints

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Audi 90.

2008-08-20

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-07-18
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TIE RODS MIDAS AUTO REPAIR CENTER PUT ON MY 1993 AUDI 90 CS WHERE BOTH DEFECTIVE THAT THEY GOT FROM CAR QUEST. THE DAY THE TIE RODS FAILED WAS WHEN I AND MY WIFE WHERE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVE THROUGH AT TACO BELL ON WILSON STREET IN BREWER MAINE. THE FRONT PASSENGERS RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD CAME UNDONE AND SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT HOUSING WHERE IT BOLTS DOWN TO IT AND CAUSED MY WHEEL WHICH WAS IN A STRAIGHT POSITION TO COCK RIGHT AND I LOOSING CONTROL TOTALLY OF THE CAR AND DRIVING UP OVER A LARGE CURB ALMOST INTO A BUILDING. IT FELT LIKE THE WHEEL HAD COME RIGHT OFF THE CAR. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FROZE UP AND ALSO WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME OF EVEN WORSE IF IT WERE DRIVEN LONGER. MIDAS TOWED ME IN AND KEPT SAYING SORRY OR THIS AND ALSO SAID THAT CAR QUEST SENT THE WRONG TIE ROD FOR MY CAR FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD BUT, CAR QUEST SAID THAT THE TIE ROD IS LISTED FROM THE MANUFACTURE TO FIT THIS CAR. THEY REPLACED BOTH TIE RODS BUT, WHEN MY INSURANCE CAME TO SEE THE CAR THE CAR UNDERNEATH WAS DAMAGED TO MUCH THEY SAID SO THEY TOTALED THE AUDI OUT WHICH I BOUGHT BACK FROM THE INSURANCE. MY WIFE AND I BOTH SUFFERED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THESE TIE RODS AND ARE SEEING DOCTORS ALL THE TIME NOW BECAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. THE AUTO BODY SAID WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE THAT IF WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED WE WOULD HAVE ROLLED THE AUDI OVER POSSIBLY AND GOT KILLED. THESE TIE RODS ARE POOR A DESIGNED AND POSSIBLY ARE BEING MISLABLED FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THEM TO FIT CARS THAT THEY DON'T OR CAR QUEST IS LABELING THEM WRONG IN THEIR SYSTEM TO FIX CARS LIKE MINE. THE VERY SAD THING IS MIDAS IS A STATE INSPECTION STATION AND SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THESE WEREN'T RIGHT FOR MY AUDI AND COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS ACCIDENT WHERE MY WIFE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND FIX THE ISSUE SO THAT THIS ACCIDENT THAT WE HAD DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ANOTHER AUDI OWNER OR OTHER MAKE AND GETS KILLED. *TR
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2008-06-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-06-14
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C6PA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WIRE HARNESS AT THE TRUNK LID (L.H.S) . WHERE IT HINGES , WIRES TEND TO BREAK THERE AND SHORT WHICH CONTROLS THE BRAKE LIGHTS, BLINKERS, REVERSE LIGHTS, DASHLIGHTS. OVER TIME FROM OPENING AND CLOSING THE TRUNK THE WIRE BREAK AND COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE OTHER WIRES. I HAVE HAD MY FUSE BLOW AND NOT KNOW IT AND HAVE HAD CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT MY CAR OR PEOPLE YELLING AT ME SAYING I HAVE NO BREAK LIGHTS. I HAVE READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND AUDI KNOWS ABOUT IT AND HAS YET TO COME UP WITH FIX. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR HAVE SOMEONE HIT AND KILLED FOR NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS OR DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS. *TR
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2001-06-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-19
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL (98V-332) REPAIR WORK ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM ON MAY 18, 2001, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE THE NEXT DAY IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *MJS
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2001-06-07

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (98-V332) ON FUEL INJECTORS AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED AND THEY INSTALLED FUEL INJECTORS AND A FUEL LINE, AFTER INSTALLATION THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *YH
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2001-06-07

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (98-V332) ON FUEL INJECTORS AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED AND THEY INSTALLED FUEL INJECTORS AND A FUEL LINE, AFTER INSTALLATION THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *YH
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2000-11-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-25
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C0PA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: WHEN IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT KICK FROM THE START TO THE RUN POSITION THE STARTER REMAINS ENGAGED. ONCE IN THE KEY IS MANUALLY MOVED INTO THE RUN POSITION IF NOT IN THE EXACT POSITION THE FOLLOWING SYSTEMS DON'T WORK: HEAD LIGHTS, WIPERS, TURN-SIGNALS, POWER WINDOWS, REAR DEFROST, SIDE MIRRORS DEFROST, AIR-CONDITIONER / HEAT SYSTEM. AUDI HAS RECALLED 24,000 MODELS FROM '94 - '96 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THEY SAID I WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY UNRESPONSIVE TO MY PROBLEMS IN THE PAST SO I THOUGHT I WOULD START FROM THE TOP AND GO DOWN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. ALAN TOLER. *AK
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2000-10-23

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-17
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C1PA
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: ON 10/17/00 , THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL OF THIS VEHICLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ROTOR. SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HOWEVER, LUCKILY NO INJURIES. UNFORTUNATELY, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN OVER THE WHEEL WHICH HAD CONTINUED DOWN THE HIGHWAY. MECHANIC SUGGESTED METAL FATIGUE. SENT NOTIFICATION TO AUDI CLIENT RELATIONS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. ALSO, SUGGESTED AUDI LOOK INTO MY INCIDENT WITH AN EYE TOWARDS PUBLIC SAFETY. I HAVE THE FAULTY WHEEL ALONG WITH THE ROTOR AT MY RESIDENCE FOR ANYONE TO INSPECT. I ALSO REQUESTED AUDIT TO INSPECT ALL MY WHEELS AND ALSO THE WHEELS OF MY OTHER 1994 AUDI 90 CS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IF METAL FATIGUE WAS THE CAUSE. *AK
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2000-02-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C9PA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL #98V332000 CONCERNING FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE IN APRIL OF 1999. HAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT DEALER HAS NO PARTS FOR REMEDY. *AK *ML
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2000-01-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: UAUBJ58C7PA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 98V332000. CONTACTED DEALER. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO REMEDY RECALL PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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2000-01-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-01
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF PARTS (98V-332). *MJS
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1999-10-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C9PA
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 3RD TIME IN 14 DAYS CAR IN SHOP DUE TO THERMOSTAT PROBLEM($300), FUEL SYSTEM($400), AND KNOW CAR STALLING AND SMOKE FROM UNDERHOOD WITH TEMP GAUGE ABOVE NORMAL. CAR ALSO TAKEN IN FOR CRUISE CONTOL FAILURE WITH NO RESPONSE TO COMPLAINT & TRANSMISSION THAT SLIPS RE-ENGAGING FOR SUDDEN STOPS. 2ND TIME IN 14 MONTHS NEEDING NEW PADS/ROTORS!!
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1999-09-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C2PA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN THE RESULT/RELATED TO FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT (FUEL INJECTORS) 98V-332. MJS
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1999-03-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-15
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C3PA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: RADIATOR FAN RUNS CONSTANTLY, AND CAR OVERHEATS. I INSPECTED THE CAR 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE AND DISCOVERED THAT ALL FUSES REGARDING THE RADIATOR FAN WERE PULLED IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM RUNNING CONSTANTLY. THE REAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE TRUNK DOES NOT UNLOCK EITHER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY.
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1999-03-01

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C3PA
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE ALARM SYSTEM ON THE CAR WILL SOUND BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANY DISTURBANCE TO THE CAR. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER THE DOORS ARE LOCKED THE ALARM WILL SOUND. ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE ALARM FROM GOING OFF IS TO LEAVE THE CAR UNLOCKED.
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1997-11-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C7PA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAYALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.
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1997-11-25

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C7PA
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM FAILED.
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1997-11-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C7PA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED,FAN SYSTEM FAILED,TIMING SYSTEM FAILED
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1997-11-25

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUBJ58C7PA
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED.
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1997-11-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-29
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C4PA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. PULLED TO SIDE. SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD & FILLED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. OWNER EXITED VEHICLE & THEN SPARKS APPEARED & THEN FLAMES DROPPING FROM RADIATOR. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. VEHICLE GUTTED.
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1997-06-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C8PA
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZE, CAUSING ROTORS TO WARP AND PADS TO GLAZE.
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1996-11-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C4PA
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE.
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1996-11-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
  • VIN: WAUDJ58C4PA
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS.
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1993 Audi 90 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Audi 90.

1998-12-23
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FUEL INJECTORS.
1997-10-06
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
  • Consequence: 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.
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