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
- 11
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Sudden acceleration, causing accident on 2ND time.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26
Service brakes
2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Visibility
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Audi 5000 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V158000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 89V006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 93V006000 · Power train
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 electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Audi 5000 have?
- 4 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.