1992 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 1992 Audi 90 has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $1,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1995 Audi 90, the Audi 90 with the 2.3L and 2.8L engines develops noisy hydraulic valve lifters, especially on cold starts. The lifters bleed down overnight and tick until oil pressure builds up. Worn lifters may tick continuously.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1995 Audi 90 2.8L V6, the 2.8L V6 hydraulic valve lifters (hydraulic lash adjusters) bleed down overnight, causing a ticking noise on cold start that lasts 30 seconds to several minutes. Worsens with age and infrequent oil changes.
Try switching to high-quality full synthetic 5W-40 oil with fresh filter. If tick persists beyond 30 seconds, replace hydraulic lifters. Using VW 502.00 spec oil is recommended. Short oil change intervals (5,000 miles) help prevent recurrence.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1995 Audi 90 2.8L V6, the Audi 90 2.8L V6 develops cooling system failures including water pump leaks, thermostat housing cracks, and auxiliary coolant pump failure. These failures can lead to overheating and head gasket damage.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1995 Audi 90, the plastic clips that attach the window glass to the regulator break, causing the window to drop into the door. The cable-driven regulator mechanism also frays over time. Very common failure on all four doors.
Replace window regulator assembly. Aftermarket regulators with metal clips are more durable than OEM plastic clips. Lubricate window channels with silicone spray during installation.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
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.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 1992-1992 Audi 90 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cooling System Component Failure, Window Regulator Clip and Cable Failure, Hydraulic Valve Lifter Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 1992-1992 Audi 90 has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi 90 issues range from $50 to $1,000, 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.
The Audi 90 2.8L V6 develops cooling system failures including water pump leaks, thermostat housing cracks, and auxiliary coolant pump failure. These failures can lead to overheating and head gasket damage. Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The plastic clips that attach the window glass to the regulator break, causing the window to drop into the door. The cable-driven regulator mechanism also frays over time. Very common failure on all four doors. Repairs typically run $120-$300. Severity: low.
The Audi 90 with the 2.3L and 2.8L engines develops noisy hydraulic valve lifters, especially on cold starts. The lifters bleed down overnight and tick until oil pressure builds up. Worn lifters may tick continuously. Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: low.
The 2.8L V6 hydraulic valve lifters (hydraulic lash adjusters) bleed down overnight, causing a ticking noise on cold start that lasts 30 seconds to several minutes. Worsens with age and infrequent oil changes. Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.
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.
