Selling an old Audi 4000 or 4000 quattro

If your 4000 is done, or you're done with it, we buy whole non-running and junk cars. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.

The idle question, and why it comes up

Any talk of mid-1980s Audis runs into the Audi 5000. Wikipedia says US sales fell after a series of recalls from 1982 to 1987 of Audi 5000 models over reported sudden unintended acceleration, linked to six deaths and 700 accidents. It quotes NHTSA's analysis finding that the idle-stabilization systems on those cars could push idle speed too high and produce short surges of up to 0.3g.

That story belongs to the 5000. What the 4000 has is its own idle stabilizer recall, 87V069000, for 1985-1986 cars, and three speed-control complaints on the 1986. The 25,000 figure counts the full campaign, Audi Coupe included.

One generation, four model years

Wikipedia covers the 4000 in its Audi 80 article and dates the B2 generation 1978–1986. It offered front drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive, with 4- and 5-speed manuals and a 3-speed automatic. The two-door Coupe shared its platform. The EPA lists the 4000 here for 1984-1987, including the 4000 S and the 4000 CS quattro.

1984. Five complaints, the most of any year, mostly naming the gasoline fuel system and its lines and fittings. Recall 85V099000 covers this year: harsh weather could leave the hoses' outer rubber brittle and cracked, letting brake fluid escape and stretching stopping distances. That campaign counts 105,000 vehicles.

1985. One complaint, naming the fuel system and reporting a fire. Two recalls reach it: the idle stabilizer campaign and 93V006000, below.

1986. Four complaints, three of them reporting a crash. Recall 86V113000 covers rear or front right seat belt locks that may not engage, so a belt could separate under hard braking or in a crash (8,000 vehicles).

1987. Three complaints, one each on the power train, the fuel system, and engine cooling.

Recall 93V006000 reaches 1985-1988 cars. Gear oil in the 4000's transaxle could evaporate, and a differential left short of oil wears out its bearings and gears. Dealers refilled with a tougher oil. Its 152,000 vehicles include the Audi 200 and other models.

Complaints and recalls by model year

NHTSA's owner complaint file, as of October 10, 2026, supplies these figures. A recall covering 1985-1988 appears in every row from 1985 on.

Any year can be checked at NHTSA's recall page.

Should you put money into it?

Start with the brakes and the fuel lines, since those are what the 1984 recall and complaints point to. Original rubber hoses on a car this age deserve a look whatever the recall history. If the idle surges or hunts on a 1985-1986, ask whether the 87V069000 stabilizer was ever replaced.

Then price the full list, not just the first item. If the brakes alone are the problem, the bad or seized brakes guide covers the choice. For how a dead 4000's offer gets set, read what a junk car is worth.

Selling the 4000 whole

1. Find the title, note the VIN, and say whether it's a quattro.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe its spot, maybe a field or under a tarp beside the garage, and whether the wheels turn.
4. Sell the whole car as it sits. Mention anything already pulled off, since missing parts change the offer.

Related Audis we cover: the Coupe, 80/90, A4 and every Audi model.