Model year guide

1990 Audi 100

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Audi 100 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 347 on record.

1990 Audi 100 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints16
Combined18 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1990 Audi 100 recalls 4

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #97V172000 · 06/10/1997

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

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.

Power Train:axle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #93V006000 · 11/01/1993

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.

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

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #91V156000 · 18/09/1991

THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM PLACARD LOCATED INSIDE THE GAS FILLER DOOR, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 11O.

Fix: NEW LABELS CONTAINING THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE VEHICLES.

Equipment:mechanical:integrated Jack/leveler/stabilizer NHTSA Campaign #91V050000 · 02/04/1991

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

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

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1990 Audi 100 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Interior Lighting
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1990 Audi 100 MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,700
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Automatic 4-spd
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1990 Audi 100 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,500
Fuel only$18,500
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1990 Audi 100 vehicles on record

Other Audi 100 model years

1990 Audi 100 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1990 Audi 100 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1990 Audi 100. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Audi 100?

Across all 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Audi 100 get?

The 1990 Audi 100 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 21 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.