- The problem
- Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
- The risk
- Unexpected sudden acceleration without prior warningcould result in a vehicle crash, causing injuries.
- The fix
- Install an automatic shift lock to prevent the transmission shift lever from being moved from park to reverse or drive unless brake pedal is applied at the same time.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Audi 5000 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Audi 5000 with NHTSA, most often about the equipment & accessories (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in January 1987 for the floor shift. For comparison, the 1980 has 1 and the 1982 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 5000 year, for its age
#27 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Audi 5000 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Audi 5000 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
- Certain vehicles were assembled with an insufficient height differential between the accelerator and brake pedals.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: the driver could inadvertently depress both pedals at one time, lose control, and have an accident.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a brake pedal plate which will raise the brake pedal to the proper height.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: this could result in unintentional accleration which could cause loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- The fix
- Dealer will install, where necessary, a guide for the accelerator pedal and inspect the entire throttle system.
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 1981 Audi 5000
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
Audi 5000: every year compared
All 5000 yearsQuestions about the 1981 Audi 5000
Does the 1981 Audi 5000 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1981 Audi 5000: floor shift (January 1987); pedals and linkages (September 1983); accelerator pedal (April 1982). 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 1981 Audi 5000?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the equipment & accessories (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Audi 5000 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 21, 1996 and the latest on October 21, 1996. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Audi 5000 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 54 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Audi 5000 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 5000 years have the most complaints?
1985 (17), 1986 (15), 1987 (12). See every Audi 5000 year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Audi 5000 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