1986 Audi 5000
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I STARTED THE CAR IN A DRIVEWAY, INTENDING TO BACK ONTO THE STREET. WHEN I PLACED THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD AT TOP SPEED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. I HAD 40 FEET OF SKID MARKS VISIBLE ON THE PAVEMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990830
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/2 ACCIDENTS/INJURIES. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950921
3 of 15 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
RECALL 89V006000, FUEL INJECTION SEAL HAS HARDENED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990729
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
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.
Campaign 86V103000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR OR FRONT RIGHT SEAT BELT LOCKS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE SEAT BELTS, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V113000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V008000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V009000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V157000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REAR BRAKE CALIPERS COULD BIND AND CONSEQUENTLY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: REQUIRES INSPECTION OF BRAKE CALIPERS AND REPLACEMENT OF CALIPERS AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 87V158000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 89V006000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSMISSION FAILURES
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.
Campaign 93V006000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 96E006000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V103000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V113000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V008000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V009000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V157000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V158000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V006000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V006000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96E006000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Audi 5000?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Audi 5000 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.