- 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 5000 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 1987 Audi 5000 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (3) and the brakes (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in January 1993 for the axle assembly. For comparison, the 1986 has 15 and the 1988 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 5000 year, for its age
#59 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1987 Audi 5000 problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 Audi 5000 recalls 4
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
- Fuel injection seals may harden, due to high temperature and alcohol in some fuels, and allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment.
- The risk
- Fuel dripping onto hot engine components could cause anengine compartment fire.
- The fix
- Replace engines fuel injector seals with improved seals plus improvements designed to better insulate the engine against fire risk.
- The problem
- Certain rear brake calipers could bind and consequently overheat.
- The risk
- Overheated calipers could cause brake pedal to feelspongy and could result in one brake circuit becoming inoperative. Brakingability would be affected.
- The fix
- Requires inspection of brake calipers and replacement of calipers as necessary.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Escaping vapors could ignite by heat emitted by theexhaust system.
- The fix
- Install redesigned filler neck and a new vent valve and hose for charcoal filter. Also, stop refueling when pump nozzle shuts off.
What owners say
Be the first 5000 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
12 complaints about the 1987 Audi 5000
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer was traveling about 45mph and brakes developed a violent shaking and vibration. Also, upon applying brakes consumer saw smoke coming from the steering wheel, it was very hot. *Ak
Switch which controls the headlights, wipers, cruise control and turn signals work intermittently.
Consumer was driving approximately 20mph when the axle assembly gave way. Consumer lost all power. The wheels did not lock up. There is a recall for power train axle assembly mandated in 1993. Consumer had recall repairs done on 5-5-93 at 48,651 miles, but never experienced the defect until now. *Ak
Heat exchanger blew causing overflow of hot water to spill into front seats of vehicle.
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
Sticking accelerator, causing vehicle to accelerate. *Ak
Sunvisor comes down unexpectedly, obstructing view. (1St vehicle on 602405)
When making a turn the car went one way when the wheel was turned another. The steering column broke and the car hit a barrier. Please describe. Tt
Sudden acceleration, causing accident on 2nd time. *Tw
Purchase car used on the second day car broke down for the last five month. Tt
Had little stopping ability, hydroboost had gone bad. (Please give details). Tt
Fuel tank peeling/flaking, contaminating fuel system, resulting in stalling. *Ak
Audi 5000: every year compared
All 5000 years1987 Audi 5000 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Audi 5000 | 12 | 4 | F | |
| 1987 Audi 4000 | 3 | 1 | C | 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 5000
Does the 1987 Audi 5000 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1987 Audi 5000: axle assembly (January 1993); fuel system, gasoline (January 1989); caliper (October 1987); tank assembly (October 1987). 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 5000?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (3), brakes (2), acceleration & cruise control (2).
How many complaints has the 1987 Audi 5000 had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 16, 1994 and the latest on June 14, 2000. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1987 Audi 5000 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 1987 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