1991 Audi V8 problems

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The Audi V8 (Typ 4C) is a four-door, full-size luxury sedan, designed, manufactured and marketed by Audi in Germany from 1988 to 1993, as the company's flagship. As the first car from Audi to use a V8 engine, also was the first Audi to combine a quattro system with an automatic transmission. Early cars used 3.6-litre V8s, while later cars featured a 4.2-litre version of the engine. The Audi V8 was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, although the A8 was not marketed in North America until 1996.

The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-back Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft driver's titles in 1990 and 1991, with the championship winners being Hans-Joachim Stuck and Frank Biela respectively. Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles.

Overview

Standard features for the Audi V8 included a 32-valve, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) V8 engine and a four-speed electronically controlled ZF 4HP24A automatic transmission providing Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. A five-speed (later in production six-speed) manual transmission was also available.

The Audi V8 had a galvanized steel body, with a 10-year anti-perforation warranty (against corrosion). The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range 'flagship' car and included a number of luxury features as standard equipment, including leather seating and Audi's quattro all wheel drive system (see standard features list). The Audi V8 created a new elevated image for the company, providing a viable alternative to established competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In this regard, the car was a cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as it is today.

Factory production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993, although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994. It was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994.

1991 Audi V8

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Common 1991 Audi V8 problems

The Audi V8 1991, also known as the D1 platform, is a luxury sedan that was Audi's first attempt at a full-size car. While it was a pioneering model for Audi, it had some common issues that are worth noting.

One of the most common issues with the Audi V8 3.6L is timing belt failure. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine, and if it fails, it can cause serious damage to the engine. To prevent this issue, it's important to replace the timing belt and related components at the recommended intervals. The recommended interval for replacing the timing belt is every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Another issue that can arise with the Audi V8 3.6L is overheating. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or water pump. If the engine overheats, it can cause damage to the cylinder heads and other components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch these issues early on and prevent more serious problems from occurring.

Transmission shifting issues can also be a problem with the Audi V8 3.6L. This can be caused by a worn-out torque converter or solenoids. If the transmission is not shifting properly, it can cause damage to the transmission and other components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch these issues early on and prevent more serious problems from occurring.

Fuel leaks are another common issue with the Audi V8 3.6L. These can be caused by leaking fuel injectors or a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Fuel leaks not only reduce fuel efficiency, but they can also be a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch these issues early on and prevent more serious problems from occurring.

The Audi V8 3.6L also has a problem with the coolant leak in the oil filter housing. These engines use coolant to cool down the oil. However, the way the coolant is transferred to the oil cooler makes this entire system prone to coolant leaks. Namely, there is a small plastic pipe in there that is known to crack over time. If the crack is severe enough, you’ll get coolant leaking into the oil filter housing.

The Audi V8 4.2L also has a problem with the timing chain guide failure. These were originally made of plastic and were known to break with some frequency. Audi rectified this issue in the 32V versions that feature a different timing chain guide design.

The original NA version of the 4.2 V8 used a timing belt, yet the cams still used a chain to keep everything in time. The tensioners on these chains are known to fail prematurely, potentially causing damage to the engine. The issue is made even more complex by the fact that one head features the chain in the back, near the firewall while the other has the cams chained up in the front.

In summary, the Audi V8 1991, while a popular and sought-after car for its unique combination of power and luxury, has several common issues that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and timing belt replacements, can go a long way in preventing engine damage. It is also important to seek out a trusted mechanic who is familiar with the Audi V8 and its specific issues. Despite these common issues, the Audi V8 remains a popular and sought-after car for its unique combination of power and luxury.

1991 Audi V8 engine

What Audis came with the 4.2 V8?

Audi 4.2 V8 Generations

The second generation was produced from 1997-2005 and was used in several Audi models, including the A6, A8, and S4. This engine featured a direct fuel injection system and produced up to 335 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

What year did Audi stop making V8?

1993

In this regard, the car was a cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as it is today. Factory production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993, although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994.

Which Audi has a V8 engine?

Audi R8 engine

The R8 is powered by a 3.6 L Audi V8 with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), which is a variation on the concept of gasoline direct injection developed by VW; it maximizes both power and fuel economy at the same time.

What is the top speed of the Audi V8?

Audi V8 3.6 Performance
Top Speed :152 Mph / 244 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) :7.6 s

How good is Audi 4.2 V8 engine?

The Audi 4.2 V8 engine is a high-performance engine produced by the German automaker Audi. First introduced in the early 1990s, this engine quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional power, efficiency, and durability.

Is the Audi 4.2 V8 Turbo?

Based on the existing 4.2 V8 from the Audi C5 S6, this engine was tuned with the assistance of VW Group subsidiary Cosworth Technology (now MAHLE Powertrain), and featured two parallel turbochargers, known as 'biturbo', with two side-mounted intercoolers (SMICs).

What old Audi has a V8?

V8. There's also the d2 and d3 a8s the b6 and b7 s4s.

Does Audi make V8 engines?

About the Audi S8

Beneath the hood lies a purpose-built twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI® V8 engine that cranks out a robust 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

1991 Audi V8 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi V8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Audi V8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Audi V8 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Audi V8.

2003-07-14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WAUKE54CXMN
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY HESITATED AND THEN SURGED FORWARD. HAD TRIED TO DISENGAGE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT WAS STUCK. THEN PRESSED ON BRAKES TO SLOW VEHICLE DOW; NOTHING HAPPENED. HAD MAINTAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE. FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A REST AREA AND SHUT VEHICLE DOWN. CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. MECHANIC CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, AND THROTTLE WAS OPEN. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND STATED VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL BUT NO NOTICE WAS EVER RECEIVED REGARDING ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEM. RECALL CAMPAIGN #96V084000.*AK
1996-08-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE FAILURE, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPED/OVERHEATED AND WERE REPLACE D, CONTINUES TO REPLACE DISC PADS AND ROTORS*AK

1991 Audi V8 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1991 Audi V8.

2001-10-10
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINED IN THE AMPLIFIER FOR EACH REAR SPEAKER COULD LEAK AN ELECTROLYTE, WHICH MAY IN TIME AND IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMIDITY, CAUSE AN UNWANTED CONDUCTIVE PATH.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AMPLIFIER OVERHEATING AND A POTENTIAL FIRE RISK.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AMPLIFIERS FOR THE REAR SPEAKER ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
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.
1996-05-10
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: A BUSHING WHICH GUIDES THE CRUISE CONTROL ROD CAN, OVER TIME, DETERIORATE AND CAUSE THE CONTROL ROD TO BIND.
  • Consequence: A BINDING CONTROL ROD CAN IMPEDE THE RETURN OF THE THROTTLE PLATE TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONTROL ROD BUSHING WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION.
1991-04-02
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
  • Summary: INSTRUCTION LABEL IN THE TRUNK OF VEHICLE IS INCORRECT FOR THE JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE.
  • Consequence: INCORRECT USE CAN RESULT IN THE JACK COLLAPSING, WITHINJURY TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER OR NEAR VEHICLE DURING COLLAPSE.
  • Remedy: SUPPLY INSERT TO OWNER'S MANUAL NOTING CORRECT USAGE, AS WELL AS A CORRECTED INSTRUCTION LABEL FOR THE TRUNK.

Positive 1991 Audi V8 car reviews

  1. Keanu Weissnat 2025-01-08

    I was originally searching for another 200tq, but after experiencing the pleasure of driving the V8, I decided to go for it. I cannot stress enough how amazing the V8 is. I live in NH and travel to NYC about 5-6 times a year. I have driven it at 125 mph (with no traffic and good radar detection) and it performed flawlessly. Despite being 15 years old with 160k miles, I added satellite radio and 16

  2. Logan Lehner 2024-09-20

    This car has every option possible, except cupholders. It's excellent in all weather conditions thanks to the AWD system mated with a nice V8 that provides lots of grip and acceleration. I feel incredibly safe driving it, especially since it weighs 2 tons! I highly recommend this car to anyone! It was $50,000 new!

  3. Ulises Hilpert 2024-09-08

    This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I love it!

  4. Brooks Hintz 2024-06-03

    Great car! Comfortable, luxurious, and reliable for less than $5,000. It's perfect for winter mountain driving in the Rocky Mountains with its AWD and ABS. It's like a luxurious SUV without the high rollover potential!

  5. Ford Purdy 2024-03-02

    Hi there! It looks like your program just keeps on running, maybe up to 200,000 times. Is there anything I can help you with?

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Audi V8 problems:

Buying a 1990 V8 3.6, what are common problems to look for ...
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 ... I'm going to look at a 1990 Audi V8 3.6 auto later today and am wondering what are some of the common failure points on these cars to look out ...

What are common issues with the 4.9? | Cadillac Owners Forum
What are common issues with the 4.9? | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/what-are-common-issues-with-the-4-9.49421/

Aug 21, 2005 ... I'm looking to get a 1992 Seville to avoid head gasket and thread bolt problems as well as any unexpected major repairs.

I am a Audi Master Technician here to answer your questions! AMA ...
I am a Audi Master Technician here to answer your questions! AMA ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/cjyiqr/i_am_a_audi_master_technician_here_to_answer_your/

Jul 30, 2019 ... ... common problems with model X, or does model Y have this issue? All cars across the line suffer from the same issues including water pump failure ...

Audi 4.2 V8 Engine — Fine-Tuned Perfection – eEuroparts
Audi 4.2 V8 Engine — Fine-Tuned Perfection – eEuroparts
https://eeuroparts.com/blog/audi-4-2-v8-engine-fine-tuned-perfection/

Feb 24, 2023 ... One of the most common issues with the Audi 4.2 V8 engine is excessive oil consumption. Many owners have reported that their engines consume ...

Common Issues with VE Wagons? : r/CarsAustralia
Common Issues with VE Wagons? : r/CarsAustralia
https://www.reddit.com/r/CarsAustralia/comments/17tvpre/common_issues_with_ve_wagons/

Nov 12, 2023 ... Also what are the common issues or problems I should know about this car. Any problems with the 6.0l L76 V8?

Other years of Audi V8

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1991 Audi V8 photo