1987 Audi 5000
Only 11 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 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT ON 2ND TIME. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19951026
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19960216
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19960216
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- 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.
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Audi 5000?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Audi 5000 have?
4 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.