1987 Audi 5000 recalls & problems

4 recalls 11 complaints 1 investigation

4recalls
11owner complaints
2crashes reported
0fires reported
2 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1987 Audi 5000 and 11 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (3 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (2). NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

1987 Audi 5000 recalls

Power Train · NHTSA 93V006000 · Jan 11, 1993

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.

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

152,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 89V006000 · Jan 17, 1989

Problem: Fuel injection seals may harden, due to high temperature and alcohol in some fuels, and allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment.

Risk: Fuel dripping onto hot engine components could cause anengine compartment fire.

Fix: Replace engines fuel injector seals with improved seals plus improvements designed to better insulate the engine against fire risk.

35,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA 87V158000 · Oct 6, 1987

Problem: Certain rear brake calipers could bind and consequently overheat.

Risk: Overheated calipers could cause brake pedal to feelspongy and could result in one brake circuit becoming inoperative. Brakingability would be affected.

Fix: Requires inspection of brake calipers and replacement of calipers as necessary.

16,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 87V157000 · Oct 6, 1987

Problem: Repeated topping off of fuel tank during refueling reduces the expansion space within the tank allowing vapors to escape from the charcoal filter to outside rather than being inducted into the engine.

Risk: Escaping vapors could ignite by heat emitted by theexhaust system.

Fix: Install redesigned filler neck and a new vent valve and hose for charcoal filter. Also, stop refueling when pump nozzle shuts off.

25,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

1987 Audi 5000 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2
000
Steering 2
202
Vehicle Speed Control 2
100
Engine and Engine Cooling 1
000
Power Train 1
000
Structure 1
000
Visibility 1
000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Electrical System · Jun 14, 2000 · IN

Consumer was traveling about 45mph and brakes developed a violent shaking and vibration. Also, upon applying brakes consumer saw smoke coming from the steering wheel, it was very hot. *ak

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 14, 2000 · IN

Consumer was traveling about 45mph and brakes developed a violent shaking and vibration. Also, upon applying brakes consumer saw smoke coming from the steering wheel, it was very hot. *ak

Electrical System · Sep 10, 1998 · OH

Switch which controls the headlights, wipers, cruise control and turn signals work intermittently.

Power Train · Jul 13, 1998 · MD

Consumer was driving approximately 20mph when the axle assembly gave way. Consumer lost all power. The wheels did not lock up. There is a recall for power train axle assembly mandated in 1993. Consumer had recall repairs done on 5-5-93 at 48,651 miles, but never experienced the defect until now. *ak

Visibility · Feb 24, 1998 · CA

Heat exchanger blew causing overflow of hot water to spill into front seats of vehicle.

Electrical System · Dec 13, 1997 · MA

Ignition switch failed.

Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 21, 1997 · WV

Sticking accelerator, causing vehicle to accelerate. *ak

Structure · Dec 30, 1996 · OH

Sunvisor comes down unexpectedly, obstructing view. (1ST vehicle on 602405)

Steering · Feb 16, 1996 · CA · crash · 1 injured

When making a turn the car went one way when the wheel was turned another. The steering column broke and the car hit a barrier. Please describe. Tt

Steering · Feb 16, 1996 · CA · crash · 1 injured

When making a turn the car went one way when the wheel was turned another. The steering column broke and the car hit a barrier. Please describe. Tt

Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 11, 1995 · NC · crash

Sudden acceleration, causing accident on 2ND time. *tw

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 19, 1995 · NY

Purchase car used on the second day car broke down for the last five month. Tt

Other Audi 5000 years

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Audi 5000 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1987 Audi 5000, the most recent one (93V006000) for power train. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Audi 5000?

Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (3), service brakes, hydraulic (2), steering (2).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1987 Audi 5000?

Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 1987 Audi 5000?

NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently EA92028: Transmission failures.