2009 Audi A3 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Owners filed 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2009 Audi A3, 32% of its 47 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 61,500. A related DSG wiring harness recall (09V333000) covers this model year, addressing a gearbox oil sensor that could falsely trigger clutch disengagement.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 15
- 32% of 47 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 47
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 61,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Transmission unexpectedly drops into neutral while driving at highway speed, with RPMs spiking before it re-engages a gear.
- Vehicle lurches or jerks forward from a stop, sometimes accompanied by a clunking sound from the transmission area.
- Gear indicator lights (PRNDS) flash simultaneously and the transmission stops responding to gear selection, sometimes requiring a tow.
- DSG mechatronic control module reported as failed, preventing the transmission from engaging reverse and allowing rollaway on inclines.
- Rear differential failure reported at highway speed, producing a sensation like the brakes engaged on their own.
- Transmission shifts down abruptly when coming to a stop, jerking the car during braking.
When 2009 Audi A3 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 26, 2009, latest Sep 6, 2022.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2009 Audi A3
- NHTSA 09V333000Aug 20, 2009Transmission & Powertrain16,000 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.
Risk: The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy: Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by A3 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2009 Audi A3 have?
- NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2009 Audi A3, which is 32% of all 47 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2009 Audi A3?
- Yes. Recall 09V333000 covers a DSG wiring harness sensor connector that may be insufficiently crimped, which can falsely signal high gearbox oil temperature and cause the clutch to open unexpectedly.
- At what mileage do 2009 Audi A3 transmission problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure among reported transmission complaints is 61,500 miles.
- Did the 2009 Audi A3 transmission issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain category for this model year.
- How does 2009 compare to other Audi A3 model years for transmission complaints?
- The 2009 A3 had a 32% share of transmission-related complaints, similar to 2006 (30%), 2007 (31%), and 2008 (30%), while later years like 2011 (7%) and 2012 (0%) saw far fewer.