1984 Audi 5000 problems

General information about Audi-5000
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1984 Audi 5000 problems

The Audi 5000, produced in 1984, faced common problems primarily related to unintended acceleration, which was a significant concern for car owners and regulators alike. This issue was attributed to two main factors:

Design of car controls: The placement of the brake and gas pedals in the Audi 5000 was different from most American cars, which led to driver error. Drivers unfamiliar with the car's controls might inadvertently step on the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the car to accelerate unexpectedly.

These issues led to a decline in sales and a negative reputation for the Audi 5000. Audi took measures to address these problems, such as installing an automatic shift-lock device to prevent drivers from shifting from "park" to "reverse" or "drive" without first stepping on the brakes.

The controversy surrounding the Audi 5000 highlights the importance of designing car controls in a user-friendly manner and ensuring the proper functioning of all mechanical components. This case study serves as a reminder for car manufacturers to prioritize safety and user experience in their designs to maintain a positive brand image and customer trust.

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 do you fix a sudden unintended acceleration?

Resolution. Ways of resolving sudden unintended acceleration are to apply the brakes and/or clutch, or shift into neutral if the car has an automatic transmission. In most cars, fully applied brakes are easily capable of stopping the car while the accelerator pedal is also fully applied.

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 happened to Audi 5000?

Reported sudden unintended acceleration

What does it mean to be Audi 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.

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.

1984 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:

Visibility problems
Power train problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Steering problems
Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Audi 5000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Audi 5000 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Audi 5000.

1999-10-29

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN SMOKE CAME THROUGH VENTILLATION. MJS

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1999-10-29

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN SMOKE CAME THROUGH VENTILLATION. MJS

Add Complaint

1999-10-29

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN SMOKE CAME THROUGH VENTILLATION. MJS

Add Complaint

1997-02-27

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Crash: 1
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: OWNER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FOR NO REASON, CAUSING HIGH RPM AND AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-08-20

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP 8 TIMES, ALSO REPLACED POWER BRAKES. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-04-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-09-01
VIN: WAUFB0446EN
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSION REBUILT DUE TO LINKAGE FAILURES. *SKD

Add Complaint

1994-09-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-09-30
VIN: WAUFB00448E
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: PAINT PEELING ON INSIDE OF TRANSMISSION LID. *SDK

Add Complaint

1984 Audi 5000 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1984 Audi 5000.

1996-03-04

Manufacturer: EIS BRAKE PARTS
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THESE BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES HAVE INADEQUATE CRIMPS ATTACHING THE HOSE TO THE HOSE FITTINGS AND COULD CAUSE THE HOSE AND FITTING TO SEPARATE.
Consequence: IF THE BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES, LOSS OF BRAKING POWER CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: THESE BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED.

1989-01-17

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL INJECTION SEALS MAY HARDEN, DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE AND ALCOHOL IN SOME FUELS, AND ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Consequence: FUEL DRIPPING ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE ANENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE ENGINES FUEL INJECTOR SEALS WITH IMPROVED SEALS PLUS IMPROVEMENTS DESIGNED TO BETTER INSULATE THE ENGINE AGAINST FIRE RISK.

1987-10-28

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Summary: MALFUNCTIONS OF INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF IDLE CONTROL UNIT COULD CAUSE IDLE STABILIZER VALVE TO BECOME ACTIVATED OUTSIDE ITS NORMAL OPERATING RANGE.
Consequence: IDLE RPM MAY BECOME ERRATIC AND, IN SOMEINSTANCES,INCREASE.
Remedy: INSTALL LATEST SPECIFICATION IDLE CONTROL UNIT.

1987-10-06

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: ESCAPING VAPORS COULD IGNITE BY HEAT EMITTED BY THEEXHAUST SYSTEM.
Remedy: INSTALL REDESIGNED FILLER NECK AND A NEW VENT VALVE AND HOSE FOR CHARCOAL FILTER. ALSO, STOP REFUELING WHEN PUMP NOZZLE SHUTS OFF.

1987-01-03

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.

1985-07-30

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CRACKS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE HOSES AS NECESSARY.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1984 Audi 5000 problems:

The Audi 5000 Unintended Acceleration Debacle - Blowing Smoke ...

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/history/the-audi-500-unintended-acceleration-debacle/

Oct 22, 2021 ... Audi took a questionable stance: they didn't flat oout blame the drivers for the problem, even after the NHTSA report came out. Hey, the ...

Consumers Steer Clear Of the Audi 5000 S - The Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1986/12/28/consumers-steer-clear-of-the-audi-5000-s/9e08f4b4-9ab3-42b1-b493-586cf2b1342a/

Dec 27, 1986 ... in Silver Spring. Tischer sells Audi, Porsche, BMW and Subaru models. "Negative and unfair publicity" about Audi's alleged problems with sudden ...

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 ... has Audi 5000 internals and is known for being next to indestructible. Overall the drive train is pretty much bulletproof on the CGT. A ...

Audi 100 - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_100

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 ...