Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1990 Audi Quattro — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 2 | 40% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 20% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 20% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 20% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A SECURING CLIP ON THE OUTSIDE OF HINGES OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACK MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH SEAT COVERING MATERIAL.
Consequence
AN IMPROPERLY SECURED CLIP COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACKHINGE TO SEPARATE FROM ITS ANCHOR IN A REAR-END ACCIDENT AND COULD RESULT IN AN INJURY TO OCCUPANT(S).
Remedy
REALIGN SEAT COVERING MATERIAL WHERE INTERFERENCE IS PRESENT.
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
REPLACE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING A MODIFIED LOCK BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND OVERRIDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP DUE TO A BROKEN ROD BETWEEN THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE THROTTLE CONTROL. *AK”
“THIS COMPLAINT REFERS TO EXISTING CAMPAIGN ID 01V324000, MY VEHICLE HAS SAME LEAKING CAPACITATORS IN REAR SPEAKERS, WHICH CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD, AS VEHICLES IN THE RECALL BUT MY MODEL YEAR WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL.*AK”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Audi Quattro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Quattro years to avoid are 1999. The cleanest record among Quattro years belongs to 1989.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.