Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1981 Audi 5000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Audi 5000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 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.