2009 Audi A5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Audi A5 has a complaint index of 29, ranking 13th out of 18 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints and 1 recall for corroding airbag control units, with engine issues (water pump, cold-start surge) the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #13 of 18 A5 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 16.5 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Audi A5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (36%)
- Structure & Body3 (27%)
- Brakes2 (18%)
- Electrical System2 (18%)
- Fuel System2 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (18%)
- Airbags1 (9%)
- Steering1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Water pump can fail and leak coolant, triggering a 'stop engine' warning and steam from the engine bay while driving.
- Engine may surge or stumble on cold starts, with RPM cycling between roughly 500 and 1,800 for several seconds and occasional stalling.
- Steering wheel can develop severe wobbling or pulling to one side, sometimes requiring repeated wheel alignments.
- Diesel-equipped versions can lose all power suddenly from high-pressure fuel pump failure, damaging the fuel line system.
- Vehicle can lurch or pull hard when shifted into drive or reverse after sitting for several hours, requiring firm braking to control.
- Door latch or keyless entry sensors can fail, preventing the door from locking or the alarm from arming.
2009 Audi A5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V376000May 27, 2016Airbags8,381 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
2009 Audi A5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other A5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Audi A5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 A5 rates Good, with a complaint index of 29 and only 11 complaints on file, ranking 13th out of 18 model years.
- What problems does the 2009 Audi A5 have?
- Owners most often reported engine issues such as water pump failures and cold-start surging, along with structure and body concerns like door latch and lock failures.
- Does the 2009 Audi A5 have any recalls?
- Yes, there is one recall (16V376000) covering 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles for airbag control units that can corrode and fail.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2009 A5?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 4,500 miles at failure for engine-related complaints in the 2009 Audi A5.
- How does the 2009 A5 compare to other years?
- The 2009 A5 has a complaint index of 29 and a Good verdict, much lower than the 2010 (82, Avoid), 2013 (88, Avoid), 2018 (94, Avoid), and 2020 (100, Avoid) model years.