1980 Audi 4000 problems

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The Audi 80 is a compact executive car produced by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group across four generations from 1966 to 1996. It shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat from 1973 to 1986 and was available as a saloon, and station wagon — the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. The coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range, but used a derivative of the same platforms.

In North America and Australia, the 80 was marketed as the Audi Fox for model years 1973–79, as the Audi 4000 for model years 1980–87 in the USA, as Audi 4000 5+5 from 1981 in the USA, and Audi 5+5 in Australia during 1981 through 1983.

The Audi 90 was an upmarket version of the Audi 80, although all North American sedans of the B4 generation were called Audi 90.

1980 Audi 4000

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Common 1980 Audi 4000 problems

The Audi 4000, introduced in the North American market for the 1980 model year, was based on the Volkswagen group's B2 platform (Typ 81) and was known for its underpowered and buzzy engines, which were criticized for being insufficient for a car in its price segment.

One common issue reported by Audi 4000 owners was sudden acceleration, which was attributed to faulty cruise control systems and human factor design errors in the driver compartment.

Another problem reported by Audi 4000 owners was the lack of an automatic transmission option, which was not offered due to the engine's inability to handle it well. This limitation, combined with the absence of a five-speed transmission until the 1981 model year, made the driving experience less enjoyable for some owners.

The 1980 Audi 4000 also suffered from shocks filled with light grade corn syrup in the front suspension, causing a typical mid-'80s Audi problem of excessive bouncing until Bilstein shocks were installed.

The 1980 Audi 4000's muffler was another source of frustration for owners, as it was a costly $1100 accessory that required frequent replacement due to the intricate bends made to house it crosswise behind the rear bumper. This issue was covered by the 3-year warranty but still posed an inconvenience for many owners.

Lastly, the Audi 4000's timing belt was known to break, causing the engine to explode, as reported by one owner who experienced this issue while cruising down the interstate at 80 mph. This problem, combined with the car's high upkeep costs, led some owners to give up on the model altogether.

In summary, the Audi 4000, particularly the 1980 model, was plagued by various issues, including underpowered and buzzy engines, sudden acceleration due to faulty cruise control systems, the lack of an automatic transmission option, and problems with the front suspension, muffler, and timing belt. These issues contributed to a less-than-ideal driving experience for some Audi 4000 owners.

1980 Audi 4000 engine

Are Audi 80s reliable?

The engines are all fairly simple, so shouldn't give any issues, but ensure your prospect has received frequent oil changes. It's worth pointing out the B3 80 has a small three-litre oil reservoir, so listen for any nasty rattles that could indicate the car has been run on too little.

What is the history of the Audi 4000?

The North American Audi 4000 was first introduced for the 1980 model year, with a 1588 cc inline-four with 76 hp (57 kW). This engine came in for some criticism, being somewhat buzzy and underpowered for a car in this price segment. Audi did not offer an automatic transmission, as the engine could not quite cope.

How much horsepower does a 1980 Audi Quatro have?

The Quattro made four-wheel drive sexy. Its 2.1-litre in-line 'five', a development of the unit first seen in Audi's sleek 200 saloon, had a KKK turbo, an air-to-air intercooler and Bosch electronic ignition and fuel injection. Peak power was 197bhp and 0-62mph was dispatched in 7.1sec on the way to a 137mph maximum.

What did Audi introduce in 1980?

The original Audi Quattro competition car debuted in 1980, first as a development car, and then on a formal basis in the 1980 Janner Rally in Austria.

What is the history of the Audi 4000?

The North American Audi 4000 was first introduced for the 1980 model year, with a 1588 cc inline-four with 76 hp (57 kW). This engine came in for some criticism, being somewhat buzzy and underpowered for a car in this price segment. Audi did not offer an automatic transmission, as the engine could not quite cope.

How much horsepower does a 1980 Audi Quatro have?

The Quattro made four-wheel drive sexy. Its 2.1-litre in-line 'five', a development of the unit first seen in Audi's sleek 200 saloon, had a KKK turbo, an air-to-air intercooler and Bosch electronic ignition and fuel injection. Peak power was 197bhp and 0-62mph was dispatched in 7.1sec on the way to a 137mph maximum.

What did Audi introduce in 1980?

The original Audi Quattro competition car debuted in 1980, first as a development car, and then on a formal basis in the 1980 Janner Rally in Austria.

What is the dark history of Audi?

Audi's predecessor 'Auto Union' reportedly used Nazi slave labor during World War II. Jewish slave workers in striped uniforms in a Nazi ammunition factory near the Dachau concentration camp during World War II. Audi's predecessor 'Auto Union' reportedly used Nazi slave labor during World War II.

1980 Audi 4000 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi 4000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Audi 4000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1980 Audi 4000 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Audi 4000.

1995-08-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-26
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *AW

1980 Audi 4000 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1980 Audi 4000.

1983-11-09
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN OCCUR BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE FUSE PANEL MAY OVERHEAT AND INTERRUPT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUSE BOX AND ITS CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION, AND CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY. A BYPASS ADAPTER TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL BE INSTALLED.
1981-03-24
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
  • Summary: REAR BUMPER SYSTEM ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WELDED DURING ASSEMBLY. IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION, THE RIGHT SIDE BUMPER SUPPORTOR COULD BREAK LOOSE, DAMAGE THE FUEL TANK AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK.
  • Remedy: A REINFORCEMENT PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED, IF NECESSARY, TO PREVENT FUEL TANK DAMAGE. WORK WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO COST TO OWNERS.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1980 Audi 4000 problems:

COAL: 1980 Audi 4000 - The Boy Embraces His Heritage - Curbside ...
COAL: 1980 Audi 4000 - The Boy Embraces His Heritage - Curbside ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/coal-1980-audi-4000-the-boy-embraces-his-heritage/

Oct 1, 2017 ... These Audis are also well known for failure of their exterior door handle mechanisms, although mine was unafflicted. Audi4000Engine. Over the ...

issues to watch for on a Coupe GT? - AudiWorld Forums
issues to watch for on a Coupe GT? - AudiWorld Forums
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/audi-4000-coupe-gt-discussion-29/issues-watch-coupe-gt-2210168/

Nov 18, 2003 ... Audi 4000 / Coupe GT Discussion - issues to watch for on a Coupe GT? - any areas to keep a heads up on a coupe GT like anything thats prone ...

80s Audi Quattro as a first car? : r/Audi
80s Audi Quattro as a first car? : r/Audi
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/vmos5o/80s_audi_quattro_as_a_first_car/

Jun 28, 2022 ... They are EXTREMELY reliable and fairly cheap to maintain, and also excellent to learn to wrench on. Early 80s had some electrical issues, but ...

The Audi 4000S is an Underrated 1980s Classic - AudiWorld
The Audi 4000S is an Underrated 1980s Classic - AudiWorld
https://www.audiworld.com/articles/the-audi-4000s-is-an-underrated-1980s-classic/

Jul 11, 2022 ... Rust is another common problem and can occur around the finders, rocker panels, and lower body trim. But it's also a good idea to look under the ...

1980 Audi 4000 Garage Find/Estate Sale: Only 11305 miles! | VW ...
1980 Audi 4000 Garage Find/Estate Sale: Only 11305 miles! | VW ...
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/1980-audi-4000-garage-find-estate-sale-only-11305-miles.5445665/

Sep 28, 2011 ... I am supposed to get the calipers today as well as the fuel tank back from being cleaned and lined. I have come across a parts NLA problem but I ...

Other years of Audi 4000

audi 4000 1983 photo
4000 1983
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audi 4000 1984 photo
4000 1984
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audi 4000 1985 photo
4000 1985
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audi 4000 1986 photo
4000 1986
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audi 4000 1987 photo
4000 1987
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audi 4000 1980 photo
4000 1980
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