1990 Audi Quattro problems

General information about Audi-Quattro
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Audi Quattro is a road and rally car, produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group. It was first shown at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show on 3 March. Production continued through 1991.

Background

The word quattro is derived from the Italian word for "four" to represent the fact that the vehicle delivers power to all four wheels. The name has also been used by Audi to refer to the quattro four-wheel-drive system, or any four-wheel-drive version of an Audi model. The original Quattro model is also commonly referred to as the Ur-Quattro - the "Ur-" (German for "primordial", "original", or "first of its kind") is an augmentative prefix. The idea of such a car came from the Audi engineer Jörg Bensinger.

The Audi Quattro was the first rally car to take advantage of the then-recently changed rules that allowed the use of four-wheel drive in competition racing. It won consecutive competitions for the next two years. To commemorate the success of the original vehicle, all subsequent Audi production automobiles with this four-wheel-drive system were badged with the trademark quattro with a lower case "q" letter.

The Audi Quattro shared many parts and platform with the Coupé version of the Audi 80 (B2). The quattro was internally designated Typ 85, a production code it shared with the quattro versions of the Audi Coupé. Its characteristic flared wheelarches were styled by Martin Smith. The Audi Quattro also had independent front and rear suspension.

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Common 1990 Audi Quattro problems

The Audi 90 Quattro, produced in 1990, is known for several common problems that car owners have reported.

Another issue that has been reported by Audi 90 Quattro owners is related to the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) system.

The Audi 90 Quattro was also known for having some issues with its engine, particularly the 2.3-litre 10-valve and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines carried over from the previous generation cars.

In addition to these specific issues, the Audi 90 Quattro was also known for having some general problems that are common in older cars. For example, the car's body panels were fully galvanized for rust prevention, but rust can still occur over time, particularly in areas that are prone to salt and moisture.

In conclusion, the Audi 90 Quattro, like any older car, can have its share of problems. However, with regular maintenance and inspections, many of these issues can be prevented or resolved. It is essential for Audi 90 Quattro owners to be aware of these common problems and to take the necessary steps to keep their cars in good working order.

Are 90s Audis reliable?

Audi 90 Sport Quattro

Great all weather traction, ample power with the V6, and excellent reliability. Good value for the money new, and an even better value used. If you can find one of the newer vintage ones (94-95) with short miles, it will treat you right for a long, long time.

How reliable are Audi Quattro?

Audi A4 Quattro Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Audi A4 Quattro Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $925 which means it has poor ownership costs.

Are old Audis expensive to fix?

According to RepairPal, the average annual Audi repair cost is $987. This is much higher than the average across all brands, which is $652. Audi's regular maintenance costs are also likely to be a bit higher than most brands because Audis are luxury vehicles that use expensive specialty parts.

What is the most reliable Audi in the 90s?

Unveiled as a concept car in the late '90s, the Audi TT evolved into a production model known for its distinctive, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics. Its reputation extends to its reliability, making it a standout among Audi cars. Its performance has garnered praise from enthusiasts and experts alike.

Are 90s Audis reliable?

Audi 90 Sport Quattro

How much is a 1990 Audi worth?

The value of a used 1990 Audi 90 ranges from $1,576 to $8,720, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Why is Audi Quattro Italian?

Used by Audi since 1980, the 'quattro' name applies to the four-wheel-drive system fitted to the Bavarian brand's road and racing cars. Audi spell the system itself with a lowercase 'q' after the Italian word for 'four' - Quattro with a capital 'Q' applies to the iconic Group B rally car from the 1980s.

What is the most reliable Audi in the 90s?

1990 Audi Quattro car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Quattro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Vehicle speed control problems
Equipment problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Audi Quattro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Audi Quattro complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Audi Quattro.

2002-08-21

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WAUKE5440LN
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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

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1999-09-02

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-08-10
VIN: WAUKE5441LN
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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 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

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1997-05-28

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-05-25
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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

Add Complaint

1995-11-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE EXHAUST HANGER BROKE . TT

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1995-06-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT IS CRACKED AND NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

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1990 Audi Quattro recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Audi Quattro.

1990-04-10

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.

1990-04-10

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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).
Remedy: REALIGN SEAT COVERING MATERIAL WHERE INTERFERENCE IS PRESENT.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Audi Quattro problems:

Buying a 1990 V8 3.6, what are common problems to look for ...

https://www.motorgeek.com/threads/buying-a-1990-v8-3-6-what-are-common-problems-to-look-for.45179/

Jan 25, 2012 ... In rust-belt areas, the transmission cooler line fittings corrode and ought to be replaced with Earls fittings. Also the throttle shaft bearings ...

common problems w/ b5 - Forum

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/66106-common-problems-w-b5

Oct 3, 2005 ... ... A4's including common ... 1990 audi CQ-dont buy a car that is not from the US ... Other than that - 0 problems. Ebony Pearl 2001 Audi A4 1.8T 5MT ...

Should i buy an 1990 Audi 90 for 950$ : r/cars

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/1d9ni4/should_i_buy_an_1990_audi_90_for_950/

Apr 28, 2013 ... I've been a parts boarder for a while, so any common failure ... I used to have a 1990 80 Quattro with the same engine ... Don't see a point in ...

1990 90 Quattro idle problems

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/659204-1990-90-Quattro-idle-problems

Jul 10, 2015 ... 1990 90 Quattro idle problems. Thread: 1990 90 ... This is a very common problem with these cars. ... Audi P/N 034 133 455 A Later 1990 cars (CQ ...