1985 Audi 5000 Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1985 Audi 5000. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Power train › Axle assemblyCovers: Audi 5000 1985–1991, 90 1985–1991, 100 1985–1991 +3 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Audi 5000 1984–1989, Quattro 1984–1989
Reported issue: Fuel injection seals may harden, due to high temperature and alcohol in some fuels, and allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment.
Possible 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.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Audi 5000 1984–1985
Reported issue: Malfunctions of internal components of idle control unit could cause idle stabilizer valve to become activated outside its normal operating range.
Possible consequence: Idle rpm may become erratic and, in someinstances,increase.
Remedy: Install latest specification idle control unit.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Audi 5000 1984–1988
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Audi 5000 1978–1986
Reported issue: Sudden acceleration from a stationary position may occur, when shifting from park to reverse or drive.
Possible 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.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Audi 5000 1985–1986
Reported issue: The idle stabilizer may experience excessive wear, causing engine idle fluctuations, usually described as engine surge, which increase with usage of the car.
Possible 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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection systemCovers: Audi 5000 1985–1986
Reported issue: 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.
NHTSA investigations
- C86001Sudden accelerationClosed · Aug 5, 1986
- EA86015Hydraulic fluid leaksClosed · May 30, 1986
- EA86016Sudden accelerationClosed · May 30, 1986
- DP86006Sudden accelerationClosed · Mar 19, 1986
- EA85037Engine compartment firesClosed · Jul 31, 1985
← All problems reported for the 1985 Audi 5000
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.