1993 Audi 90 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Audi 90, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system517.9%
- Electrical414.3%
- Engine310.7%
- Visibility27.1%
- Brakes27.1%
- Driver assistance27.1%
- Other / unspecified27.1%
- Body & structure13.6%
- Interior & seats13.6%
- Exterior lighting13.6%
- Airbags13.6%
- Steering13.6%
- Suspension13.6%
- Transmission13.6%
- Heating & air conditioning13.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CAYALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!
BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZE, CAUSING ROTORS TO WARP AND PADS TO GLAZE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!
CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAYALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .