1990 Audi V8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Audi V8: 3 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment, Equipment Vehicle recall #91V050000 · 1991 · 20,800 vehicles
What's wrong: Instruction label in the trunk of vehicle is incorrect for the jack supplied with the vehicle.
Why it matters: Incorrect use can result in the jack collapsing, withinjury to individuals under or near vehicle during collapse.
The fix: Supply insert to owner's manual noting correct usage, as well as a corrected instruction label for the trunk.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V084000 · 1996 · 3,100 vehicles
What's wrong: A bushing which guides the cruise control rod can, over time, deteriorate and cause the control rod to bind.
Why it matters: A binding control rod can impede the return of the throttle plate to its full idle position.
The fix: Dealers will replace the control rod bushing with an improved version.
Airbags Vehicle recall #97V172000 · 1997 · 54,800 vehicles
What's wrong: Some air bag sensors do not comply with Audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Equipment (2): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Audi V8 has 8 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 V8 model years for complaints (2.9× the average V8 year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (2 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Audi V8.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Audi V8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Audi V8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Audi V8 problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (3), speed control / throttle (2), equipment (2).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Audi V8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (3.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Audi V8 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.