- 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
1987 Audi 4000 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1987 Audi 4000 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2) and the engine & cooling (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in January 1993 for the axle assembly. For comparison, the 1986 has 4 and the 1988 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 4000 year, for its age
#122 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1987 Audi 4000 problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 Audi 4000 recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first 4000 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
3 complaints about the 1987 Audi 4000
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Sudden acceleration of transmission upon either starting and placing in gear or pressing on brake at stopping. Evaporation of transmission fluid has caused transmission gears to wear out and slip upon acceleration. Internal hard parts broken and chipped.
Gas tank leaks fuel into the occupant compartment and trunk.
Differential oil of transaxle evaporates; low oil levels cause premature bearing/gear wear, resulting in differential failure afterto recall, also replaced sway bar bushings and performed front end alignment (93v-006). *Ak
Audi 4000: every year compared
All 4000 years1987 Audi 4000 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Audi 4000 | 3 | 1 | C | |
| 1987 Audi 5000 | 12 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1987 Audi Quattro | 1 | 1 | 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 1987 Audi 4000
Does the 1987 Audi 4000 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1987 Audi 4000: axle assembly (January 1993). 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 1987 Audi 4000?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2), engine & cooling (1), fuel system (1).
How many complaints has the 1987 Audi 4000 had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 9, 1996 and the latest on October 7, 1999. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1987 Audi 4000 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 1987 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