2009 Audi A3 Airbags Problems
Airbags account for 22 of 47 total complaints (47%) on the 2009 Audi A3, mostly tied to two Takata-related recalls (16V079000 and 18V082000). Two crashes and two injuries were reported at a median mileage of 88,500, with several owners describing non-deploying airbags and long waits for replacement parts.
- Airbags complaints
- 22
- 47% of 47 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 47
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 88,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during front-end or tree-collision crashes, even when the ABS and stability control warning lights had flickered beforehand.
- Owners reported driving on Takata recall notices for a year or more with no repair parts available from Audi dealers.
- Some described being told by Audi to keep driving the vehicle despite an unresolved airbag recall, which left them uneasy about safety.
- Several complaints center on delayed communication, with owners saying they were never properly notified when parts became available.
- One crash on black ice ended with the airbags not deploying and the vehicle declared a total loss.
When 2009 Audi A3 airbag complaints were filed
First complaint May 4, 2016, latest Mar 13, 2022.
Airbags recalls for the 2009 Audi A3
- NHTSA 18V082000Jan 30, 2018Airbags162,782 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
- NHTSA 16V079000Feb 10, 2016Airbags151,767 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Airbags complaints by A3 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are airbag complaints on the 2009 Audi A3?
- NHTSA lists 22 airbag complaints for the 2009 Audi A3, which is 47% of all 47 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2009 Audi A3 airbags?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two airbag recalls covering this year, campaign 16V079000 filed in 2016 and campaign 18V082000 filed in 2018, both involving replacement of the driver's frontal airbag inflator.
- Did the airbag problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries linked to airbag complaints on the 2009 Audi A3, with a median mileage at failure of 88,500.
- What did owners say about getting their airbags fixed?
- Many owners reported that replacement inflator parts were unavailable for extended periods after receiving recall notices, leaving them driving vehicles they considered unsafe.
- Is the 2009 A3 worse than other A3 years for airbags?
- At 47% of total complaints, the 2009 A3 is roughly in line with 2005-2018 A3 years, though 2012 (72%) and 2007 (62%) show higher shares.