1986 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 1986 Audi 5000 problems
The Audi 5000, produced in 1986, has been the subject of numerous complaints and investigations due to a phenomenon known as unintended acceleration (UA).
One of the primary causes of UA in the Audi 5000 is a faulty EGR valve that can cause engines to surge or accelerate unexpectedly. This valve is responsible for regulating exhaust gases, and when it malfunctions, it can lead to unintended acceleration.
Another factor contributing to UA in the Audi 5000 is its unique brake and gas pedal design, which is different from most American cars.
In many cases, Audi drivers who experienced UA claimed that their brakes did not work at all, but post-collision inspections revealed that the brakes were functioning correctly. This discrepancy suggests that pedal misapplication, rather than brake failure, is the primary cause of UA incidents in the Audi 5000.
Audi has acknowledged these issues and has taken steps to address them. The company has conducted several recalls and service campaigns to correct the problem, including installing a transmission interlock to prevent sudden acceleration.
Despite Audi's efforts to address the UA problem, the issue has had a significant impact on the company's reputation and sales. In the 1980s, Audi sales dropped by as much as 60% following publicity about the UA issue, and the company faced legal action from owners and attorneys general offices.
In summary, the Audi 5000's unintended acceleration problem is due to a combination of factors, including a faulty EGR valve, pedal misapplication, and human factor design errors. While Audi has taken steps to address these issues, the problem has had a significant impact on the company's reputation and sales.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Audi 5000 have?
It was the first production car to include an inline five-cylinder engine, a 2.1-liter overhead-camshaft unit with fuel injection that produced 103 horsepower. The 5000S luxury version debuted the following year with a five-speed transmission, while the Turbo sedan debuted in 1980 with a 130-horsepower engine.
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.
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.
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 much horsepower does a 1986 Audi 5000 have?
It was the first production car to include an inline five-cylinder engine, a 2.1-liter overhead-camshaft unit with fuel injection that produced 103 horsepower. The 5000S luxury version debuted the following year with a five-speed transmission, while the Turbo sedan debuted in 1980 with a 130-horsepower engine.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Audi 5000 have?
This straight-five displaced 2.3 liters and made 130 horsepower, while the turbo version whooshed out 162 horses.
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! '.
1986 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Audi 5000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Audi 5000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Audi 5000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
- VIN: WAUHE0448GN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 AUDI 5000. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN XM PLUS 300 TIRES (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THE CONTACT HEARD LOUD FLAPPING NOISES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE LOST APPROXIMATELY HALF OF ITS TREAD, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE TIRES WERE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE VIN AND TIRE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,100. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WAUFB0446GN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON WAY TO WORK, PASSED CAR, PUT PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND IT STUCK THERE, UNTIL TAPPED WITH FOOT, THANK GOD, BUT WHEN I GOT TO WORK, CAR IDLED UP AND DOWN, ERRATIC, BETWEEN 10,000 AND 20,000 RPMS. TURNED OFF ENGINE, NO NOISE, NO WARNING LIGHTS ON. RESTARTED OK, STILL IDLED FUNNY. TURNED OFF ENGINE. WAITED A MINUTE, NO NOISE, NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE. INSIDE NWA BUILDING WORKING 15 MINUTES AND MY MANAGER SAID CAR WAS ON FIRE...FLAMES UNDERHOOD ABOUT 20 FEET IN THE AIR...BURNED CAR NEXT TO IT TOO. FIRE DEPARTMENT, PUT OUT, MILLERSVILLE, MD HQS DEPT. SAID STARTED IN ENGINE, SO BAD BURNT AND MELTED HARD TO TELL WHAT FAILED. I HAD NO FIRE INSURANCE ON CAR. ANY RECOURSE AGAINST AUDI? PLEASE ADVISE. I HAD JUST SPENT $3,000 IN REPAIRS ON CAR...SEAT, CRUISE, EXHUAST, TUNE UP, INJECTORS...AT LOCAL SHOPS. I AM SICK...WAS PLANNING TO ADD COMPREHENSIVE,BUT HAD TO TAKE TO GEICO FOR INSPECTION FIRST. MOREOVER, I LIVE IN CONDO, WITH GARAGE, 4 FAMILY UNIT, HAD BEEN PARKING IN MY GARAGE AT NIGHT...A FEW HOURS LATER WE MIGHT HAVE ALL BEEN KILLED OR INJURED...WHOLE PLACE IS WOOD FRAME. THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR/OWNER WHO TOWED CAR TO HIS SHOP, SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE IN THIS MODEL MANY TIMES...HE SAID CAR WILL BE THERE TO INSPECT FOR A FEW WEEKS...THE JUNKED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-10
- VIN: WAUFB0442GN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILED CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK UP AND DAMAGED ENGINE. *MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUFB0448GN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I STARTED THE CAR IN A DRIVEWAY, INTENDING TO BACK ONTO THE STREET. WHEN I PLACED THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD AT TOP SPEED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. I HAD 40 FEET OF SKID MARKS VISIBLE ON THE PAVEMENT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY IT'S IMPACT WITH A PARKED CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH 1986 AUDI 5000 MODELS. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THIS CAR? IS IT SAFE TO CONTINUE TO USE?
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WAUHD0447GN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL 89V006000, FUEL INJECTION SEAL HAS HARDENED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-05
- VIN: WAUFB0442GN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRE HARNESS SELF DESTRUCTED, CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-27
- VIN: WAUFB0442GN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILS TO PUMP SUFFICIENT GAS TO ENGINE, CAUSING IT TO STALL. *DH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUHD0442GN
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, LOW/HIGH BEAM SWITCH FAILED, MALFUNCTION CAUSING HEADLAMP HIGH BEAMS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUHD0442GN
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, LOW/HIGH BEAM SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING HEADLAMP HIGH BEAMS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WAUHD0442GN
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, LOW-HIGH BEAM SWITCH FAILURE OCCURS, CAUSING HEADLAMP HIGH BEAMS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: WAUFBO447GN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DIFFERENTIAL FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-02
- VIN: WAUHD0446GN
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: LOCATION OF BUBBLES IN FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS, IMPAIRS VISIBILITY. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
- VIN: WAUFB0447GN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSAXLE SEAL FAILED, RESULTING IN A LEAK PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS. (93V-0060). *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-29
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/2 ACCIDENTS/INJURIES. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- VIN: WAU8D0448G0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF VEHICLE. TT
1986 Audi 5000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 1986 Audi 5000.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: DRAIN AND REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL WITH OIL HAVING HIGHER PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: CERTAIN REAR BRAKE CALIPERS COULD BIND AND CONSEQUENTLY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: OVERHEATED CALIPERS COULD CAUSE BRAKE PEDAL TO FEELSPONGY AND COULD RESULT IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT BECOMING INOPERATIVE. BRAKINGABILITY WOULD BE AFFECTED.
- Remedy: REQUIRES INSPECTION OF BRAKE CALIPERS AND REPLACEMENT OF CALIPERS AS NECESSARY.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
- Summary: THE IDLE STABILIZER MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR, CAUSING ENGINE IDLE FLUCTUATIONS, USUALLY DESCRIBED AS ENGINE SURGE, WHICH INCREASE WITH USAGE OF THE CAR.
- Consequence: ENGINE SURGE COULD ULTIMATELY SEE-SAW TO THE EXTEND THATLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD BE EXPERIENCED IF THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED INTIME. THERE IS A RISK OF A COLLISION AND INJURY IN A CONFINED SPACE.
- Remedy: REPLACE IDLE STABILIZATION VALVE.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: REAR OR FRONT RIGHT SEAT BELT LOCKS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SEAT BELTS COULD SEPARATE IN EVENT OF HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT AND THUS SUBJECT PASSENGERS TO INJURY.
- Remedy: REPLACE SEAT BELTS, AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: MISADJUSTMENT OF FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ALLOWS FUEL TO ESCAPE AND BE ABSORBED BY THE AIR FILTER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: WITH THE FUEL ABSORBED BY THE AIR FILTER AND AN ENGINE BACKFIRE ON RESTART, THIS FUEL COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALLATION OF AN AIR FILTER MODIFICATION KIT TO PRECLUDE FUEL LEAKS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Audi 5000 problems:
The Audi 5000 Unintended Acceleration Debacle - Blowing Smoke ...
Oct 22, 2021 ... (Update: Audi (and many others manufacturers) quickly added an automatic transmission ... The Audi 5000 problems were due to two ... I found a 1986 ...
Looking at a 87 5000CS Turbo Quattro, issues? - AudiWorld Forums
Jan 22, 2002 ... Audi 5000 / 200 / V8 Discussion - Looking at a 87 5000CS Turbo Quattro, issues? - I'm looking at a 5000CSTQ. What are some of the common ...
Consumers Steer Clear Of the Audi 5000 S - The Washington Post
Dec 27, 1986 ... ... 1986 automatic-shift 5000 S cars suspected of having dangerous acceleration problems. Audi officials said they were puzzled by NHTSA's ...
1986 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro: A Shame To Drive It? – Totally ...
Jan 22, 2013 ... I will always have a soft spot for the 1982-1991 Audi C3 sedan, better known as the 100, 200 and 5000. They were attractive and comfortable, ...
Audi 5000 TDI swap...? | TDIClub Forums
Anybody? I'm also wondering about these cars in general...Are they pretty reliable? Anything I should look for when going to test drive it? Any common problems?
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