TroubleAtlas Score
AUDI 100 (1970–1994) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1970–1994 · all production years covered on this single page
2.8L V6 • Gasoline
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Audi 100 (1970–1994) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost8.7
Parts & repairability6.8
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support6.4
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Audi 100 (1970–1994) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Audi 100 (1970–1994) uses Castrol Edge 5W-30 engine oil. It is powered by a 2.8L V6 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.1h
€77 – €99
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.4h
€28 – €36
ABS Module
Difficulty: Hard
2.2h
€154 – €198
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| ABS Pump | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Brake Booster | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Coolant Flush | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Amplifier | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Antenna | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Camshaft R&R | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 20.2h | € 909–€ 1515 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 27.0h | € 1215–€ 2025 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Downpipe | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| EGR Cooler | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
| EGR Tube | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Valve | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.1h | € 4–€ 7 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| AC Condenser | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Evaporator | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 5.4h | € 243–€ 405 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Idler Arm | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.6h | € 72–€ 120 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 4.7h | € 211–€ 352 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.4h | € 108–€ 180 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Shift Cable | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Control Module | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Cooler Lines | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Transmission Filter | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (15)
NHTSA 96V017000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Date: 29/01/1996
DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA 77V244000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 28/12/1977
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". LABELS INSTALLED ON BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIRS MAY NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED BRAKE FLUID WARNING TEXT. LACK OF THIS INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO THE USE OF IMPROPER BRAKE FLU…
NHTSA 98V332000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Date: 23/12/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. AN INTERNAL SEAL OF THE FUEL INJECTOR CAN MALFUNCTION, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA 73V154000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Date: 23/07/1973
NHTSA 00V084000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 20/03/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FEED LINE CONNECTING THE FUEL FILTER TO THE ENGINE DELIVERED BY THE SUPPLIER FOR USE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
NHTSA R/1992/043
Vacuum Pump Failure
Date: 19-10-1992
Possible failure of the brake servo vacuum pump resulting in loss of service brake servo assistance.
NHTSA 91V156000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 18/09/1991
THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM PLACARD LOCATED INSIDE THE GAS FILLER DOOR, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 11O.
NHTSA 93V006000
Power Train › Axle Assembly
Date: 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.
NHTSA 93V007000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Date: 11/01/1993
THE BLADES IN THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER PUMP CAN WEAR PREMATURELY, CAUSING REDUCED BRAKE ASSIST PRESSURE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.
NHTSA 01V324000
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Date: 10/10/2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINED IN THE AMPLIFIER FOR EACH REAR SPEAKER COULD LEAK AN ELECTROLYTE, WHICH MAY IN TIME AND IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMIDITY, CAUSE AN UNWANTED CONDUCTIVE PATH.
NHTSA R/1993/078
Wheel Retaining Bolts May Be Too Short
Date: 07-02-1994
In some cases the alloy wheel retaining bolts may be of insufficient length and fail to achieve sufficient penetration into the threads in the hub.
NHTSA 97V172000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 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.
NHTSA 75V022000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Date: 05/01/1975
NHTSA 73V229000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Date: 03/12/1973
NHTSA 91V050000
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Date: 02/04/1991
INSTRUCTION LABEL IN THE TRUNK OF VEHICLE IS INCORRECT FOR THE JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
82 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Audi 100 across model years 1970–1994. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
6 crash reports 7 fires 4 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199223
Model year 199420
Model year 199319
Model year 199110
Model year 19905
Model year 19894
Model year 19721
Most reported components (all years)
Fuel System15
Gasoline15
Vehicle Speed Control11
Electrical System11
Power Train10
Engine And Engine Cooling10
Sample reports
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK (MY 1993)
ENGINE FIRE BEGAN 1/4 MILE INTO TRIP. (MY 1993)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION BY THE DEALERSHIP (SUNSET IMPORTS). *AK.*YH (MY 1991)
CONSUMER STATES THAT PRIOR TO RECALL ON THE FUEL LINE, THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE IN THE ENGINE. *JG (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1970–1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audi 100 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 13 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Audi 100?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Audi 100?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Audi 100?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are transmission problems common on the Audi 100?
Yes — 11 of 69 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “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. …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are fuel system problems common on the Audi 100?
Yes — 12 of 69 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “BOSCH FUEL DISTRIBUTOR SENSOR PLATE FAILURE, WHICH IS LOWER HALF OF UNIT. CAR STALLS, FLOODS, CREEPS, LOOSES ALL POWER, WILL NOT ACCEL OVER 20 MPH. MUST PURCHASE ENTIRE UNIT FOR OVER $1,500 USD TO REP…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Audi 100?
Yes — 26 of 69 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “VEHICLE STALLS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE GEAR, ALSO HIGH RPM. *SKD…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What engine oil should I use on the Audi 100 (1970–1994)?
The engine oil specification for the Audi 100 (1970–1994) is Castrol Edge 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Audi 100 (1970–1994)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Audi 100 (1970–1994) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Audi 100 (1970–1994) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Audi 100 (1970–1994), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.