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1989 Audi 80Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1989 Audi 80, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 11, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Audi 80 has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train60
Service brakes, hydraulic20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1989 Audi 80 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 97V-172 · Oct 6, 1997 · 54,800 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT THE SENSOR SHOULD MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other 80 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 80 median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1989 Audi 80, and the recalls they led to.

  1. INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTEA94026 · closed Jul 28, 1995
    Led to recall 97V-172
In owners' words

What 80 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED THREE YEARS AGO FOR THE TRANSMISSION. NOW THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGED AGAIN DUE TO LOW OIL. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Complaint 968912 · Jul 17, 1995
TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FAILED DUE TO LACK OF DIFFERENTIAL FLUID PRIOR TO RECALL, REPAIRS WERE NEVER DONE (93V-006). *AK
Complaint 511814 · Nov 27, 1996
OIL LUBRICATING TRANSAXLE GEARS WAS LOST DUE TO EVAPORATION, CAUSING VEHICLE NOISE PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (93V-006). *AK
Complaint 484152 · Jul 12, 1995

Own a 1989 80?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.