1990 Audi 100 Problems: 4 Known Issues
1990 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Audi 100 has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 1990-1991 Audi 100 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Recall 93V006, Hydraulic Assist System Leak (Pentosin) ($500-$2,000 repair) and Power Steering Rack Seal Leak ($500-$1,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
1990 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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.
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
INSTRUCTION LABEL IN THE TRUNK OF VEHICLE IS INCORRECT FOR THE JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Audi Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi 100 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Audi 100 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1990-1991 Audi 100 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Recall 93V006, Hydraulic Assist System Leak (Pentosin), Power Steering Rack Seal Leak. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Audi 100 reliable?
The 1990 Audi 100 has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 1990-1991 Audi 100 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Recall 93V006 and Hydraulic Assist System Leak (Pentosin) and Power Steering Rack Seal Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Audi 100 problems?
Repair costs for known Audi 100 issues range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1991 Audi 100 1990-1991 Audi 100 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Recall 93V006?
NHTSA campaign 93V006 covers 1990-1991 Audi 100 passenger cars equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The campaign states that differential oil could be lost over time through evaporation, causing premature bearing and gear wear. Eventual differential failure could remov… Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1994 Audi 100 Hydraulic Assist System Leak (Pentosin)?
The Audi 100 uses a mineral oil hydraulic system (Pentosin) that powers the steering and, on cars with a hydraulic brake servo and pressure accumulator, the brake assist (some V6 automatic cars use a vacuum brake booster instead). Hoses, pump seals, and rack seals develop leaks,… Repairs typically run $500-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1994 Audi 100 Power Steering Rack Seal Leak?
The hydraulic power steering rack develops leaks from the input shaft seal and inner tie rod boots. Pentosin hydraulic fluid weeps and eventually pours from the rack, causing heavy steering and low fluid warnings. Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1994 Audi 100 Vacuum Hose Deterioration Causing Multiple Issues?
Vacuum hoses throughout the engine bay become brittle, crack, and leak with age. Causes rough idle, failed emissions, inoperative climate control flaps, and cruise control failure. The Audi 100 uses vacuum for numerous subsystems. Repairs typically run $50-$200. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.