1980 Audi 5000 problems
The Audi 100 and Audi 200 (and sometimes called Audi 5000 in North America) are primarily mid-size/executive cars manufactured and marketed by the Audi division of the Volkswagen Group. The car was made from 1968 to 1997 across four generations (C1–C4), with a two-door model available in the first and second generation (C1-C2), and a five-door model available in the last three generations (C2–C4).
In 1982, the third generation Audi 100 achieved a remarkably low (for its time) drag coefficient of 0.30, featuring flush greenhouse sides with unique sliding window mountings.
The C2 and C3 models of the Audi 100 were marketed in North America as the Audi 5000 from 1978 to 1988, and in South Africa as the Audi 500.
In 1993, the models were mildly restyled, and renamed the Audi A6 series in conjunction with a general new Audi naming scheme, until they were replaced by a new generation of A6, internally code-named C5, in 1997. The Audi 100's traditional competitors include the Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series.
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Common 1980 Audi 5000 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Audi 5000 1980, several common problems with the car have been identified:
- Faulty EGR Valve:
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- The Audi 5000 was found to have a faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, contributing to engine malfunctions.
- This issue, combined with the pedal placement problem, heightened the risk of unintended acceleration incidents.
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- Brake System Concerns:
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- Despite claims of brake failure during UA incidents, post-collision inspections consistently showed that the brakes were functioning correctly.
- This discrepancy led to confusion and added to the challenges in addressing the UA issue effectively.
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- Driver Error vs. Design Flaw Debate:
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- Audi attributed the UA incidents to driver error, suggesting that drivers mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
- However, investigations highlighted the role of poor design, particularly the proximity and layout of the gas and brake pedals, in contributing to the problem.
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- Public Perception and Legal Battles:
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- Media coverage, including the 60 Minutes report, portrayed the Audi 5000 as a flawed vehicle, emphasizing the UA issue and its consequences.
- Audi faced a significant public relations crisis, leading to a drop in sales and a prolonged legal battle to address the complaints and settle lawsuits.
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These problems with the Audi 5000 1980 underscored the importance of user-friendly design in automotive engineering and highlighted the significant impact that design flaws can have on both vehicle safety and brand reputation.
How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Audi 5000 diesel get?
27 city/43 highway mpg
The EPA rated it at 27 city/43 highway mpg. It had a huge 19.8 gallon fuel tank so your theoretical range on this diesel was an average of just shy of 600 miles.
What does it mean to be Audi 5000?
(derived from 'outa here' mixed with the car the Audi 5000) A saying conveying that a person is about to depart. As if to say 'time to leave! ' 'Jesse ... we're outtie 5000! ' Some shorten it and just say '5000! '.
How fast is the Audi 5000?
Road & Track were able to reach a top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h) in the federalized car, slower than a naturally aspirated European market 2.1 E.
What years did Audi make the 5000?
Audi 5000 Overview
The Audi 5000 was a mid-size luxury car that was produced by Audi from 1977 to 1987. It was also known as the Audi 100 in some markets. The 5000 was powered by a variety of engines, including a 2.0-liter inline-4, a 2.3-liter inline-5, and a 2.5-liter inline-5.
What happened to Audi 5000?
Reported sudden unintended acceleration
During model years 1983–1987, Audi's U.S. sales fell after several recalls of Audi 5000 models, which were associated with reported incidents of sudden unintended acceleration linked to six deaths and 700 accidents.
How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Audi 5000 diesel get?
27 city/43 highway mpg
The EPA rated it at 27 city/43 highway mpg. It had a huge 19.8 gallon fuel tank so your theoretical range on this diesel was an average of just shy of 600 miles.
What does it mean to be Audi 5000?
(derived from 'outa here' mixed with the car the Audi 5000) A saying conveying that a person is about to depart. As if to say 'time to leave! ' 'Jesse ... we're outtie 5000! ' Some shorten it and just say '5000! '.
How fast is the Audi 5000?
Road & Track were able to reach a top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h) in the federalized car, slower than a naturally aspirated European market 2.1 E.
1980 Audi 5000 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi 5000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Audi 5000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1980 Audi 5000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Audi 5000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1980 AUDI 5000 DIESEL AND PURCHASED A SURE START BATTERY #SSB4972, WHICH DID NOT HAVE THE PLASTIC SAFETY GUARD ON THE POSITIVE TERMINAL. THE AUTO STORE WAS SELLING THE BATTERIES TO EVERYONE WITHOUT THE PLASTIC SAFETY GUARD WHICH THEY WERE TAKING OFF AND THROWING AWAY. *AK
1980 Audi 5000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1980 Audi 5000.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM A STATIONARY POSITION MAY OCCUR, WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, CAUSING INJURIES.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE DRIVER COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPRESS BOTH PEDALS AT ONE TIME, LOSE CONTROL, AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A BRAKE PEDAL PLATE WHICH WILL RAISE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE PROPER HEIGHT.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENTIONAL ACCLERATION WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL, WHERE NECESSARY, A GUIDE FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INSPECT THE ENTIRE THROTTLE SYSTEM.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1980 Audi 5000 problems:
A Look Back at the Audi 5000 and Unintended Acceleration « Barr ...
Mar 14, 2014 ... I was in high school in the late 1980's when ... complaints of unintended acceleration in Audi 5000 vehicles. Looking back on the Audi issues ...
The Audi 5000 Unintended Acceleration Debacle - Blowing Smoke ...
Oct 22, 2021 ... (Update: Audi (and many others manufacturers) quickly added an automatic transmission ... 1980s. When I ... The Audi 5000 problems were due to two ...
Audizine Forums
Jun 13, 2011 ... I was told cat's rarely fail i wouldn't worry about that being ur problem im sure its just the temp sensor that is a common problem on 3.0s, ...
Junkyard Classic: 1980 Audi 5000S Diesel - All Signs Point To Turd ...
Dec 3, 2019 ... Well, in theory at least, any vacuum issues and this “power” aspect went away. At least it was quiet without the loud thunk afflicting GM's ...
Sudden unintended acceleration - Wikipedia
... common problem. Other problems may be implicated ... Audi 5000 edit. During model years 1982–1987, Audi issued a series of recalls of Audi ... "Audi 1980s Scare May ...
Other years of Audi 5000
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