The Audi 90 spans 1988–1995 with 16 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1995, 1993, 1994 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1989, 1992, 1991. It delivers up to 20 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Audi 90 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1988 to 1995 across multiple generations.
How to read a Audi 90 VIN — every digit explained
Every Audi 90 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Audi and the country it was built in (real Audi codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 90.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyWA1 · WAU · WU1 · WUA
- HungaryTRU
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 90, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Audi 90 have?
The Audi 90 has 16 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1988–1995. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1995 Audi 90 recalls 3
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Risk. Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Fix. Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines. An internal seal of the fuel injector can malfunction, allowing fuel leakage in the engine compartment.
Risk. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all fuel injectors.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
What's wrong. Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.
Risk. Some electrical accessories, such as, turn signals, windshield wipers, lamps, power wind0ws and air conditioners can malfunction when the car is started.
Fix. Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
1994 Audi 90 recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines. An internal seal of the fuel injector can malfunction, allowing fuel leakage in the engine compartment.
Risk. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all fuel injectors.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
What's wrong. Defective ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.
Risk. Some electrical accessories, such as, turn signals, windshield wipers, lamps, power wind0ws and air conditioners can malfunction when the car is started.
Fix. Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
1993 Audi 90 recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines. An internal seal of the fuel injector can malfunction, allowing fuel leakage in the engine compartment.
Risk. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all fuel injectors.
1992 Audi 90 recalls 1
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
1991 Audi 90 recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. The differential oil of the transaxle is lost over time due to evaporation. Low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventual failure of the differential.
Risk. In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Fix. Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
1990 Audi 90 recalls 3
Steering:column Locking:anti-theft Device
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Replace complete steering lock assembly, including a modified lock bolt.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. The differential oil of the transaxle is lost over time due to evaporation. Low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventual failure of the differential.
Risk. In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Fix. Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
1989 Audi 90 recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. The differential oil of the transaxle is lost over time due to evaporation. Low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventual failure of the differential.
Risk. In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Fix. Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
1988 Audi 90 recalls 1
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. The differential oil of the transaxle is lost over time due to evaporation. Low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventual failure of the differential.
Risk. In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Fix. Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
Best and worst years for the Audi 90
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 1995, 1993, 1994 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1989, 1992, 1991.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 90 | Steering | Average | |
| 1989 90 | — | Best | |
| 1990 90 | Air Bags | Average | |
| 1991 90 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Best | |
| 1992 90 | — | Best | |
| 1993 90 | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1994 90 | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1995 90 | Electrical System | Avoid |
What are the most common Audi 90 problems?
The most-reported Audi 90 problems are Seats (1 reports), Wheels (1 reports) and Air Bags (4 reports) — out of 74 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Electrical System 26 Read
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.
While driving, electrical sys. Wire harness front shorted, caused fan to burn out, vehicle overheated and caught fire. Tt
Consumer has had two replacement ignition switches all of which failed shortly after replacement. *ts a recall was issued regarding the ignition switch and the dealer/manufacturer continued to use defective ignition switches. The consumer had 6 ignition switches replaced. *jb
Dt: in may the problem began. Owner noticed that while starting the vehicle the key goes back into accessory position and car won't start. There is recall 96v017000 concerning electrical system: ignition switch. But owner's vehicle not included in recall due to vin. The owner contacted the regional office of audi, but they would not help. There is a problem with the electrical system as well. When car is started, sometimes the windshield wipers don't work or the windows won't roll down. When the key is shut off, and slowly turned back on, the electrical system will be fine. Once happened while driving down a highway at about 70 mph. The key physically moved to the accessory position, and the car stalled. The entire electrical system shut down when it stalled. The car still had manual steering and manual brakes. Then owner eased into emergency lane and put the car in park and started it back up again. Then, vehicle stalled on july 21, 2005 while the owner's husband was driving 80 mph, and the key went to the accessory position again and car stalled. The steering locked, and the brakes were barely working. There are no other problems with the vehicle. It is regularly serviced. The car has been put on the diagnostic machine, and mechanic advised that it showed no codes, this happened on july 6 2005. The owner will take the car back to mechanic if she can get the car started. *ak
The vehicle's electrical system has malfunctioned. A recall has been issued, however the vehicle's vin number is outside of the remedy scope. Please provide any additional information. *nm
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
The vehicle would not start or turn over, towed to dealer to find cause. *yh
When starting vehicle electrical parts, such as power windows or changing signal lights will stop working. Consumer has to shut off, and then turn vehicle back on for these parts to work again. But, presently windows do not work any more.*ak
Vehicle was bought used by consumer, and dealer claimed recall 96v017000 was performed prior,but part has failed again. *ak there was starter switch recall but the dealer stated that the recall was performed during the previous owner of the vehicle. *yh
When turning on car blinkers, a/c, will not work, then, consumer has to shut off car , then turn back on. Consumer stated this problem has occurred several times.*ak
Engine And Engine Cooling 10 Read
The vehicle would not start or turn over, towed to dealer to find cause. *yh
Drove 1 mile off of the showroom floor and the car overheated.please explain. Tt
Audi recalled catalytic converters on auto transmisions only. Manual trans audi's have cat's that fail also. Audi insists they have remedied the problem, but only on auto trans
Vehicle stalls at traffic lights due to cam sprocket/timing being out of adjustment. *ak
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.
Cayalytic converter failed.
Water pump failed,fan system failed,timing system failed
This fuel line leak was discovered by my mechanic during an inspection of the exhaust. The line is located between a heat shield and the body of the car. Mechanic mentioned that there is the possibility of future leaks in the same area. I paid $100 for a repair of the line. There is an audi 20v email group that has been discussing this issue recently and we concluded that there were too many fuel line failures among us for them to be isolated incidents.*ak
Fuel System 8 Read
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
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
Consumer received recall letter 98v332000. Contacted dealer. No parts were available to remedy recall problem. Please give any further details. *ak
Consumer is not able to receive recall repair due to lack of parts (98v-332). *mjs
Possible failure of the catalytic converters could possibly have been the result/related to failure of the recall component (fuel injectors) 98v-332. Mjs
High pressure fuel line sprang leak under car near firewall
Gasoline 8 Read
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
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
Consumer received recall letter 98v332000. Contacted dealer. No parts were available to remedy recall problem. Please give any further details. *ak
Consumer is not able to receive recall repair due to lack of parts (98v-332). *mjs
Possible failure of the catalytic converters could possibly have been the result/related to failure of the recall component (fuel injectors) 98v-332. Mjs
High pressure fuel line sprang leak under car near firewall
Service Brakes 7 Read
Brake master cylinder failed. *yh
Consumer stated that the ignition switch must be replaced. Electrical system stopped. Ts the failures correspond exactly with the consequences described in recall 96v017000. This also caused the turn signals, lights and horn to malfunction. On another occasion, the ignition would not move and could not turn the vehicle off. Brake pads worn and replaced. *tt
Mfr#kb & nhtsa#96 v 017 000/vw electrical system: consumer states that the vehicle has intermittent problem with delayed in starting, intermittently the turn signal and the headlight become inoperative while driving and loss of power. Dealer notified and informed that the vin# was no cover under that recall pease provide further information. Ts
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.
When the brakes are applied the brakes lose pressure and go to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has not been notified. *ak
Hydraulic 6 Read
Brake master cylinder failed. *yh
Consumer stated that the ignition switch must be replaced. Electrical system stopped. Ts the failures correspond exactly with the consequences described in recall 96v017000. This also caused the turn signals, lights and horn to malfunction. On another occasion, the ignition would not move and could not turn the vehicle off. Brake pads worn and replaced. *tt
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.
When the brakes are applied the brakes lose pressure and go to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has not been notified. *ak
Structure 6 Read
Intermittently windshield wipers malfunction, and power locks operate erratically. A recall 96v017000 has been issued on ignition switch. Manufacturer will be notified.*ak
Door mysteriously failed to latch and lock--no prior warning of failure.
Consumer closed door and buzzer went off. Vehicle would not lock. Dealer took lock apart and found that the spring was broken. *ak
Antenna failed once and door latch failed twice.
Air comes through rear passenger's door. *skd
Power door lock security system failed.
Suspension 5 Read
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
Idler stabilizer unit failed. *yh
Vehicle pulls to the right. *ak
Misalignment causing vehicle to pull to the right/steering difficulty. *skd
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Audi 90 specifications & dimensions
The 1995 Audi 90 measures 176″ long on a 100″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,364 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Audi 90 window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 100″ (255 cm) |
| Body / trim | Sport 90 2dr Cabriolet |
| Curb weight | 3,364 lb (1526 kg) |
| Overall width | 68″ (172 cm) |
| Overall height | 54″ (138 cm) |
| Overall length | 176″ (447 cm) |
How the 90's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 176″ | 68″ | 54″ | 100″ | 3,364 lb |
| 1989–1992 | 176″ | 67″ | 55″ | 100″ | 2,623 lb |
| 1988 | 173″ | 67″ | 55″ | 100″ | 2,623 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Audi 90 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 90 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 97 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Audi 90 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Audi 90 get?
The Audi 90 returns up to 20 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,850/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1995 Audi 90 (2.8L 6-cyl) gets 20 mpg combined and costs about $3,850/yr to fuel, emitting 444 g/mi CO₂ — about $8,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 90 | 17 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1994 90 | 18 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1993 90 | 18 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1990 Audi 90 (2.3L 5-cyl) gets 20 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 444 g/mi CO₂ — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 90 | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.3L 5-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 90 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 90's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Audi 90 have? Power & range
The Audi 90 is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.8L 6-cyl, 2.3L 5-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Premium |
| 5-cyl | 2.3L · 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Audi 90 cost to own?
A Audi 90 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used 90 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 90 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $19,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 90 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Audi 90 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 90 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Audi 90 last?
A well-maintained Audi 90 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Audi 90’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 90’s VIN free →All Audi 90 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Audi 90 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 90 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1994 90 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1993 90 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1992 90 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 90 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1990 90 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1989 90 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1988 90 | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 90?
By owner-complaint volume, 1995, 1993, 1994 drew the most reports. 1989, 1992, 1991 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 90 have?
16 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1988–1995. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the 90 get?
Up to 20 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 90 last?
A well-maintained 90 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 90 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 90 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Audi 90 warranty?
New Audi models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Audi dealer.
Where is the Audi 90 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 90's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Audi may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 90 weigh?
The 90's curb weight is around 3,364 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 90 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.