Is the 1989 Audi 100 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Audi 100?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Audi 100 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1989 Audi 100

○ Not enough data

1989 Audi 100
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:06.047Z

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 4
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1985	0
1986	0
1987	0
1988	0
1989	4
1990	4
1991	10
1992	22
1993	18
1994	20
1995	0
1996	0
1998	3
2001	6

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

2 of 4 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit.

Show complaint excerpts

Differential leaked oil into the transmission which damaged the gears. *ak a recall was issued related to the problem the consumer's vehicle experienced but the vehicle was not included due to VIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-11

Speedometer failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-05-08

Visibility

1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.

Show complaint excerpts

Windows fog over and the defroster only makes the problem worse.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-26

Equipment

1 of 4 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

Show complaint excerpts

Fan motor failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1991-04-17Equipment91V050000 Instruction label in the trunk of vehicle is incorrect for the jack supplied with the vehicle.

Remedy: Supply insert to owner's manual noting correct usage, as well as a corrected instruction label for the trunk.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1993-01-29Power train93V006000 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.

Remedy: Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1994-07-19Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-28 Inadver.air bag deployment
R

1997-10-13Air bags97V172000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some air bag sensors do not comply with Audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Audi 100 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 91V050000 · Equipment
Recall 93V006000 · Power train
Recall 97V172000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 1989 Audi 100 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Audi 100?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Audi 100 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.