AI Damage1990 Audi V8: common problems
Owners of the 1990 Audi V8 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and equipment. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 38% of all complaints
- 2 Equipment 25% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 25% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 13% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 13% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Equipment: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Rear speakers make noise upon turning radio on. Noise includes hum, hissing, squeal and poop noises. According to audi, the speakers and amplifiers in my car are the asme as those in 1991 and 1992 versions. 1991 and 1992 cars had a recall on these bose speakers as the failure can cuase a fire.
The driver was attempting to pass another vehicle on the highway, when there was an increase in acceleration. The throttle was stuck in the open position. The consumer says that it was due to the cruise control. Please provide any further information.
The consumers vehicle does not fit within the scope of recall 01v-324 due to the vin, the consumer feels the vehicle is subject to the same risk of failure and fire.
While driving driver's side air bag deployed without being in an accident.
My speakers have failed just as the report indicates causing a fire hazard. Please add 1990 as a year to be included in the report.
While driving approximately 60 mph, in the process of braking, the steering wheel vibrates out of control until the speed reaches 25 to 30 mph, then the vehicle operates close to normal. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.
Because of the warped rotors, when braking, the vehicle goes into a uncontrollable shaking virbration. In the last 2 1/2 years (3) sets of rotors have been replaced. Rotors need to be replaced a (4th) time.
Cruise control was engaged, automatically disengaed, hit resume, vehicle went into open throttle position and would not release, applied the brakes real hard to stop vehicle. Mechanic disengaged cruise control rod and informed consumer there was a recall 96v084, consumer is angry that he never received recall notice.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,899 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the V8 has 4 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 8, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Audi V8?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, equipment, vehicle speed control. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (38%), vibration (25%), knocking, grinding or other noise (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1990 Audi V8?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1990 Audi V8 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1990 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.