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
- 15
- Recalls
- 9
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
4 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 1999-08-30
Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/2 accidents/injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-21
Exterior lighting
3 of 15 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing high/low beam dimmer switch.
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and fuel pump.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-29
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and axle assembly.
Safety timeline
9 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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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.
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R
1986-10-13Seat belts86V113000 Rear or front right seat belt locks may not properly engage.
Remedy: Replace seat belts, as necessary.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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R
1987-12-28Service brakes, air87V158000 Certain rear brake calipers could bind and consequently overheat.
Remedy: Requires inspection of brake calipers and replacement of calipers as necessary.
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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.
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I
1992-08-03Engineering analysisClosed 1993-02-09 Transmission failures
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V103000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 86V113000 · Seat belts
- Recall 87V008000 · Power train
- Recall 87V009000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 87V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V158000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 89V006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 93V006000 · Power train
- Recall 96E006000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
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 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Audi 5000 have?
- 9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.