34/100
1988Midsize CarsRegular

1988 Audi 5000 S

EPA ID: 4531
17
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
21
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1988 Audi 5000 S achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.3L 5-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 3-spd, this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1988 5000 S produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this 5000 S has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.3L 5-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
18.6
Impact vs EPA
$-93
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$804/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$22,400
46.5%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
30.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$10,840
22.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.8%
Total 5-Year Cost$48,223

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #93V006000·1993-01-29
advisory
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

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 & Remedy

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.

Campaign #89V006000·1989-01-23
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL INJECTION SEALS MAY HARDEN, DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE AND ALCOHOL IN SOME FUELS, AND ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence & Remedy

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.

Campaign #87V157000·1987-10-06
advisory
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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 & Remedy

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.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Audi 5000 S configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1988 Midsize Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City17 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.