- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of failure, the vehicle's drive wheels couldlose power. In extreme circumstances, the front wheels lock, causing rapiddeceleration resulting in possible loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- The fix
- Drain and replace the differential gear oil with oil having higher performance characteristics.
Vehicle safety record
1986 Audi 4000 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1986 Audi 4000 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (3) and the transmission & drivetrain (1). Those complaints describe 3 crashes. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in January 1993 for the axle assembly. For comparison, the 1985 has 1 and the 1987 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 4000 year, for its age
#96 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Audi 4000 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 Audi 4000 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Excessive wear of idle stabilizer could cause idle fluctuations.
- The risk
- Idle fluctuations could result in unsatisfactorydriveability.
- The fix
- REPLACE IDLE STABILIZER.
- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- REPLACE SEAT BELTS, AS NECESSARY.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
4 complaints about the 1986 Audi 4000
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving accelerator pad stuck to the floor, couldn't stop vehicle , and hit a tree.*Ak
The differential grease has evaporated and there is apparent damage to the bearings and gears. Audi claims this vin does not fall under campaign #93v006000.
Wife parked vehicle, put in parked, vehicle still running, tried to remove key, vehicle started rolling backwards, vehicle hit tree, stopped on its own. *Ak
Defective idle stabilizer caused vehicle to accelerate by itself, resulting in loss of control/accident prior to recall (87v-069). *Ak
Audi 4000: every year compared
All 4000 years1986 Audi 4000 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Audi 4000 | 4 | 3 | F | |
| 1986 Audi 5000 | 15 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 1986 Audi Audi | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 Audi 4000
Does the 1986 Audi 4000 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 Audi 4000: axle assembly (January 1993); vehicle speed control (May 1987); buckle assembly (August 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Audi 4000?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (3), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 1986 Audi 4000 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 7, 1995 and the latest on June 4, 2002. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Audi 4000 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 15 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Audi 4000 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi 4000 years have the most complaints?
1984 (5), 1986 (4), 1987 (3). See every Audi 4000 year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 Audi 4000 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data