1981 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 1981 Audi 5000 problems
The Audi 5000, produced from 1977 to 1987, is known for its handling, comfort, and refinement.
One of the main concerns with the Audi 5000 was its susceptibility to pedal misapplication. This issue was attributed to two factors: a faulty EGR valve that made engines surge and a relationship between the seat, steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal placement that made it easier to inadvertently step on the accelerator. The pedals' positioning was slightly different from other competitive cars, which increased the likelihood of drivers accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.
Audi initially blamed the SUA incidents on driver error, suggesting that drivers might have been unknowingly stepping on both the brake and the accelerator.
The SUA controversy significantly impacted Audi's reputation and sales, with the 5000 name being changed back to Audi 100 in 1988 due to the negative publicity.
In response to the SUA issues, Audi conducted recalls and service campaigns to address the problem. In 1982 and 1983, VWoA twice recalled 1978-83 Audi 5000 cars due to reports of sudden acceleration.
The SUA controversy led to significant sales declines, particularly in the Northeast, where Audi acknowledged a 15% drop in sales for the Audi 5000.
In conclusion, the Audi 5000 was a luxury car known for its handling, comfort, and refinement, but it gained notoriety due to sudden unintended acceleration issues. These problems were traced to a design flaw in the throttle mechanism and were exacerbated by a faulty EGR valve and the relationship between the seat, steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal placement. Audi initially blamed the SUA incidents on driver error, but investigations revealed that the brakes were always found to be working fine when post-collision cars were inspected. The controversy significantly impacted Audi's reputation and sales, leading to recalls, service campaigns, and a formal investigation by NHTSA.
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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! '.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
1981 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:
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Audi 5000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Audi 5000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Audi 5000.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-21
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
1981 Audi 5000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1981 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 1981 Audi 5000 problems:
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