Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1987 Audi 4000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 33% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 17% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF TRANSMISSION UPON EITHER STARTING AND PLACING IN GEAR OR PRESSING ON BRAKE AT STOPPING. EVAPORATION OF TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS CAUSED TRANSMISSION GEARS TO WEAR OUT AND SLIP UPON ACCELERATION. INTERNAL HARD PARTS BROKEN AND CHIPPED.”
“DIFFERENTIAL OIL OF TRANSAXLE EVAPORATES; LOW OIL LEVELS CAUSE PREMATURE BEARING/GEAR WEAR, RESULTING IN DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE AFTERTO RECALL, ALSO REPLACED SWAY BAR BUSHINGS AND PERFORMED FRONT END ALIGNMENT (93V-006). *AK”
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF TRANSMISSION UPON EITHER STARTING AND PLACING IN GEAR OR PRESSING ON BRAKE AT STOPPING. EVAPORATION OF TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS CAUSED TRANSMISSION GEARS TO WEAR OUT AND SLIP UPON ACCELERATION. INTERNAL HARD PARTS BROKEN AND CHIPPED.”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Audi 4000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.