2009 Audi A8 Problems & Complaints

Average44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2009 Audi A8 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the A8 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (1 complaint, typically around 9,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

5complaints
1recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Audi A8 problems

  • Engine & cooling~9,000 miles
    120%
  • Stability & traction control~5,000 miles
    120%
  • Lights~5,000 miles
    120%
  • Locks & latches
    120%
  • Electrical system
    120%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~134,000 miles
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A8 complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’241104936206648515114918311181435
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A8. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →

2009 Audi A8 recalls (1)

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 16V-415 · Jun 9, 2016 · 536 vehicles

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.

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.

2009 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.2L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD/AWD16 / 23 / 18
6.0L 12-cyl6-speed automatic4WD/AWD13 / 19 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Audi A8 a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 A8 rates average: 44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 at the same age. It is one of the best A8 years by this measure. 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 A8?

The engine & cooling — 1 complaint, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the stability & traction control (1) and lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Audi A8 have?

There is 1 recall for the 2009 Audi A8, the most recent from June 9, 2016 (sun/moon roof assembly). 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 A8?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2009 Audi A8 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 9,000 miles; 75% 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.