Is the 1985 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 1985 Audi 5000?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Audi 5000 have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

1985 Audi 5000

○ Not enough data

1985 Audi 5000
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:13.679Z

Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 14
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 5
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1985: 14 complaints

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

Power train

10 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and gear position indication (prndl).

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission locked in reverse, causing sudden acceleration/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25

Differential failure prior to recall (93V-006),causing loss of control/accident/injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25

Differential failed twice, once causing vehicle to lock up, causing loss of control/accident/injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-11

Visibility

5 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and power window devices and controls.

Steering

4 of 14 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pump.

Structure

2 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door.

Service brakes

2 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

I
1985-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1987-12-23 Engine compartment fires
I
1986-03-19Defect petitionClosed 1986-06-23 Sudden acceleration
I
1986-05-30Engineering analysisClosed 1989-09-26 Hydraulic fluid leaks
I
1986-05-30Engineering analysisClosed 1986-08-18 Sudden acceleration
I
1986-08-05CClosed 1989-07-11 Sudden acceleration
R

1986-10-09Fuel system, gasoline86V103000 Misadjustment of fuel distributor allows fuel to escape and be absorbed by the air filter.

Remedy: Installation of an air filter modification kit to preclude fuel leaks.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1987-02-17Vehicle speed control87V009000 The idle stabilizer may experience excessive wear, causing engine idle fluctuations, usually described as engine surge, which increase with usage of the car.

Remedy: Replace idle stabilization valve.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1987-10-06Fuel system, gasoline87V157000 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.

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

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1988-02-12Vehicle speed control87V170000 Malfunctions of internal components of idle control unit could cause idle stabilizer valve to become activated outside its normal operating range.

Remedy: Install latest specification idle control unit.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1989-01-23Fuel system, gasoline89V006000 Fuel injection seals may harden, due to high temperature and alcohol in some fuels, and allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment.

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

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 →
R

1996-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic96E006000 These brake hose assemblies have inadequate crimps attaching the hose to the hose fittings and could cause the hose and fitting to separate.

Remedy: These brake hose assemblies will be replaced.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 86V103000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 87V008000 · Power train
Recall 87V009000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 87V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 87V170000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 89V006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 93V006000 · Power train
Recall 96E006000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Audi 5000?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Audi 5000 have?: 8 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.