Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1993 Audi 90 sits mid-pack among 90 years: 37 NHTSA complaints, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (7), engine (6), and visibility & wipers (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
37
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FUEL INJECTORS.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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 ”
“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…”
“WHEN IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT KICK FROM THE START TO THE RUN POSITION THE STARTER REMAINS ENGAGED. ONCE IN THE KEY IS MANUALLY MOVED INTO THE RUN POSITION IF NOT IN THE EXACT POSITION THE FOLLOWING SYSTEMS DON'T WORK: HEAD LIGHTS, WIPERS, TURN-SIGNALS, POWER WINDOWS, REAR DEFROST, SIDE MIRRORS…”
“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.”
“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…”
It is close to typical for the 90: 37 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Audi 90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.