VehicleVerdict

1991 Audi 100 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1991 Audi 100 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 100 years?

100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted34 complaints1972: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 6 complaints1990: 15 complaints1991: 11 complaints1992: 23 complaints1993: 20 complaints1994: 34 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1998: 3 complaints2001: 8 complaints
100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 100 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Audi 100 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control436%
Electrical System218%
Transmission218%
Airbags19%
Brakes19%
Fuel System19%

Does the 1991 Audi 100 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V324000Electrical SystemOctober 10, 2001 · 4,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AMPLIFIER OVERHEATING AND A POTENTIAL FIRE RISK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AMPLIFIERS FOR THE REAR SPEAKER ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

97V172000AirbagsOctober 6, 1997 · 54,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.

93V006000TransmissionJanuary 11, 1993 · 152,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DRAIN AND REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL WITH OIL HAVING HIGHER PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS.

91V050000OtherApril 2, 1991 · 20,800 units

Defect

INSTRUCTION LABEL IN THE TRUNK OF VEHICLE IS INCORRECT FOR THE JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

INCORRECT USE CAN RESULT IN THE JACK COLLAPSING, WITHINJURY TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER OR NEAR VEHICLE DURING COLLAPSE.

Remedy

SUPPLY INSERT TO OWNER'S MANUAL NOTING CORRECT USAGE, AS WELL AS A CORRECTED INSTRUCTION LABEL FOR THE TRUNK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR NO APPARENT REASON VEHICLE WILL LOSE ALL POWER UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A DRIFT DUE TO SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED. ENGINE CONTINUED REVVING WITHOUT ANY FORWARD MOVEMENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION BY THE DEALERSHIP (SUNSET IMPORTS). *AK.*YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 18, 1998

“NHTSA RECALL 01V324000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL LM CONCERNING SPEAKER AMPLIFIER. REAR AMPLIFIER SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ALSO CONSUMER CALLED MANUFACTURER ABOUT VEHICLE AND RECALL, AND MANUFACTURER STATED RECALL EFFECTED ONLY 1992 MODELS AND OLDER. CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS HAVING SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 15, 2001

“BOSCH FUEL DISTRIBUTOR SENSOR PLATE FAILURE, WHICH IS LOWER HALF OF UNIT. CAR STALLS, FLOODS, CREEPS, LOOSES ALL POWER, WILL NOT ACCEL OVER 20 MPH. MUST PURCHASE ENTIRE UNIT FOR OVER $1,500 USD TO REPAIR.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 1998

“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT COLLISION ACCIDENT DUE TO THE BRAKES NOT OPERATING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AS WELL. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 2, 2005 · crash

1991 Audi 100 — common questions

Is the 1991 Audi 100 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1991 100 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 1991 Audi 100 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Audi 100. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Audi 100 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.