2009 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 55 and ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 1 crash, and 1 recall, with the Electrical System as the top problem area at 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (40%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering and directional control failing suddenly, sending the vehicle off the road or into oncoming traffic around 5,050 miles.
- Some describe the engine vibrating at startup, with the transmission dropping to a lower gear and the car surging forward unexpectedly, occurring near 9,033 miles.
- Trunk-mounted tail light assemblies reportedly failed because the sealed housings were not water tight, damaging circuit boards and LED lights around 5,390 miles.
- Owners describe the sunroof glass detaching or coming off track while driving, with one case reported at 133,878 miles, tied to the 2016 recall for sunroof adhesive.
- Some report corroded battery cables and a passenger door sensor that stopped working, along with the car struggling to draw power from the battery.
2009 Audi A8 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V415000Jun 9, 2016Visibility & Wipers536 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
Risk: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.
2009 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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 A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Audi A8 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 A8 carries a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years of the A8. It is not among the worst years but also not a Good or Best year.
- What is the main problem with the 2009 Audi A8?
- The top problem area is the Electrical System, accounting for 40% of complaints, including tail light assembly failures reported around 5,390 miles.
- Does the 2009 Audi A8 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 16V415000, covering 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles whose sunroof glass may not be properly secured to the frame.
- What year Audi A8 should I avoid?
- Among A8 years with data, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019 carry Avoid verdicts, with 2013 having the highest complaint index at 100. The 2009 model is rated Caution, a step below those years.