1981 Audi 5000
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Equipment
1 of 1 total report mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
Air conditioner failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1982-05-28Vehicle speed control82V037000 On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Remedy: Dealer will install, where necessary, a guide for the accelerator pedal and inspect the entire throttle system.
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1983-09-28Service brakes, hydraulic83V095000 Certain vehicles were assembled with an insufficient height differential between the accelerator and brake pedals.
Remedy: Dealer will install a brake pedal plate which will raise the brake pedal to the proper height.
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I
1986-03-19Defect petitionClosed 1986-06-23 Sudden acceleration
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I
1986-08-05CClosed 1989-07-11 Sudden acceleration
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1987-02-13Power train87V008000 Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
Remedy: Install an automatic shift lock to prevent the transmission shift lever from being moved from park to reverse or drive unless brake pedal is applied at the same time.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 82V037000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 83V095000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 87V008000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 1981 Audi 5000 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 1981 Audi 5000?
- The most-reported component is equipment, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Audi 5000 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.