Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Audi 5000. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Audi 5000,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1978–1991 with 50 recall campaigns and 73 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 1986 (8), 1985 (7), and 1984 (5).
Years with the most complaint volume: 1985 (29), 1986 (17), and 1987 (13).
Top recall themes: Brakes, Fuel and emissions, and Other.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Vehicle speed control, Power train:driveline:differential unit, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Brakes
3 campaigns · Years: 1978–1984, 1986–1987
These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Audi 5000 in NHTSA complaint data are
Vehicle speed control, Power train:driveline:differential unit, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
1991
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1990
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1989
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1988
3
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1987
4
13
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering: steering wheel/handle bar, Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1986
8
17
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:headlights:high/low beam dimmer switch, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.
1985
7
29
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:driveline:differential unit, Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl), Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components.
1984
5
7
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist.
1983
4
2
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Visibility:power window devices and controls.
1982
3
2
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Vehicle speed control.
1981
3
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:appliance:air conditioner.
1980
3
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery.
1979
3
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1978
3
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Power train
, Fuel system
and Service brakes
Show recall evidence by year
1991
Power train: Axle assembly:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1990
Power train: Axle assembly:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1989
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1988
Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1987
Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Service brakes, air: Caliper:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1986
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Misadjustment of fuel distributor allows fuel to escape and be absorbed by the air filter. Consequence of defect: with the fuel absorbed by the air filter and an engine backfire on restart, this fuel could ignite and result in an engine compartment fire.
Seat belts: Buckle assembly:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Rear or front right seat belt locks may not properly engage. Consequence of defect: seat belts could separate in event of heavy brake application or impact and thus subject passengers to injury.
Power train: Floor shift:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The idle stabilizer may experience excessive wear, causing engine idle fluctuations, usually described as engine surge, which increase with usage of the car.
Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Service brakes, air: Caliper:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1985
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Misadjustment of fuel distributor allows fuel to escape and be absorbed by the air filter. Consequence of defect: with the fuel absorbed by the air filter and an engine backfire on restart, this fuel could ignite and result in an engine compartment fire.
Power train: Floor shift:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The idle stabilizer may experience excessive wear, causing engine idle fluctuations, usually described as engine surge, which increase with usage of the car.
Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Malfunctions of internal components of idle control unit could cause idle stabilizer valve to become activated outside its normal operating range.
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1984
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Under adverse weather conditions, outer rubber layer of brake hoses may become brittle and develop cracks. Consequence of defect: cracks could lead to loss of brake fluid resulting in an increase in stopping distance and possibly an accident.
Power train: Floor shift:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Malfunctions of internal components of idle control unit could cause idle stabilizer valve to become activated outside its normal operating range.
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Fuel injection seals may harden, due to high temperature and alcohol in some fuels, and allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment.
1983
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain vehicles were assembled with an insufficient height differential between the accelerator and brake pedals.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Under adverse weather conditions, outer rubber layer of brake hoses may become brittle and develop cracks. Consequence of defect: cracks could lead to loss of brake fluid resulting in an increase in stopping distance and possibly an accident.
Power train: Floor shift:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
1982
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
1981
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
1980
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
1979
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
1978
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, an improperly placed mat interferes with the vibration absorber attached to the underside of the accelerator. The pedal may not fully return to the idle position.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Pedals and linkages:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
