Most common 2009 Audi A5 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A5 complaints by model year
Best A5 years: 2017, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →
2009 Audi A5 recalls (1)
Air bags
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.
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.
What 2009 Audi A5 owners say
Engine & cooling
The water pump broke causing the coolant to leak and the "stop engine" warning light to come on. This happened while I was driving. I was able to put some water in the empty coolant tank - but all of the liquid leaked through. Steam was coming from the engine bay. The dealer advised that I put water in the coolant tank and drive to the facility as soon as possible. (it was about two miles away.) they diagnosed the problem as a failed water pump, causing the coolant to leak due to the pressure. Apparently five other vehicles (Audi A5 and q5) were brought in over the past two weeks. Replacement part is back ordered and vehicle is still immobilized at the dealership awaiting part from Germany. This vehicle had its 5,000 mile service less than a week prior to the incident.
The vehicle developed an engine surge when starting cold (heated garage 45) and moving approx 50 to 75 feet. The RPM surges from 500 to 1800rpm several times and will occasionally die. This seems to happen with various brands of premium fuel. The dealer claims they have added a fuel conditioner, replaced the high pressure fuel pump. Replaced the spark plugs and reprogrammed the engine computer. The vehicle still surges at various times. It has died after leaving an on street parking spot in traffic. It does not surge on subsequent starts within 6 - 8 hours and generally not during summer months.
Body & structure
Right side (passenger) door latch/lock mechanism failed. Because the lock failed, the alarm system does not see the door as closed and will not arm the system. Subsequently, the door cannot be locked unless you activate using the child proof overide near the latch mechanism. You must reach in through the drivers side to open the door using the handle. This is a safety and security issue that should not happen on any car with less than 55K miles on it. The Audi forums have numerous complaints about this issue with the b8 model car (a4/A5/s4/s5/rs5). Additionally, the dealership wants to charge over $650 for parts and labor. This May be a diy if you are very skilled (read: a mechanic) and if you have the right specialty tools. Additionally, the part alone costs $200 for a new replacement. …
I purchased the car used in 2015 with 35K miles. Since then, its been over eleven times regarding water leaking issues, particular involving the sunroof drains especially the right rear drain over the passenger quarter panel window near the airbag area (c-pillar). The headliner had to be replaced at least once (it should have been replaced other times, but the dealership only cleaned the stains). The sunshade had to be replaced/repair twice because it was damaged during manipulation of the headliner, and the sunroof had to be replaced because it was damaged, and then subsequently adjusted due to squeaking. This sunroof continues to have drainage issues after a heavy rain, which results in water leakage onto and staining the headliner. …
2009 Audi A5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 27 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Audi A5 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 A5 rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Audi A5?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the body & structure (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 Audi A5 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Audi A5, the most recent from May 27, 2016 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Audi A5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Audi A5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 56% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.