VehicleVerdict

2009 Audi A5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2009 Audi A5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other A5 years?

A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted102 complaints2008: 8 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 25 complaints2013: 43 complaints2014: 38 complaints2015: 11 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 102 complaints2021: 8 complaints2022: 7 complaints2023: 11 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 8 complaints
A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Audi A5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine424%
Body & Structure318%
Electrical System212%
Fuel System212%
Transmission212%
Brakes212%
Steering16%
Airbags16%

Does the 2009 Audi A5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V376000AirbagsMay 27, 2016 · 8,381 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER LETTING MY CAR SIT FOR 8+ HOURS, EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND PUT IT INTO EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT PULLS HARD AS IF I'M PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR, WHEN I'M NOT. IN ORDER TO NOT LET IT ACCELERATE, I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE QUITE HARD. THIS FINALLY GOES AWAY AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 2013

“KEYLESS DOOR SENSORS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK VEHICLE WHEN TOUCHED. BROUGHT PROBLEM TO ATTENTION OF DEALERSHIP, WHICH STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND THEREBY REFUSED TO FIX ISSUE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 13, 2013

“MY AIR BAG LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT ICON CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME WHILE STARTING AND REMAIN ON. I HAVE READ THE EXACT SAME DESCRIPTION FROM OTHER AUDI OWNERS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 6901 16V376. WHY IS MY CAR NOT INCLUDED?? I HAVE RESTARTED MY TIMES TO NO AVAIL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 26, 2019

“AUDI A5 2009 IS NOT A RELIABLE CAR I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI PRODUCT IN MY LIFETIME. I CANT BELIEVE HOW I THOUGHT I WAS ALONE WITH THE MISFIRE ISSUE AND I FIND IN MY RESEARCH THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES FOR VARIOUS MODELS UNBELIEVABLE. HAD I SEARCH THIS PRODUCT, WOULD HAVE BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 11, 2015

“AFTER LETTING MY CAR SIT FOR 8+ HOURS, EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND PUT IT INTO EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT PULLS HARD AS IF I'M PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR, WHEN I'M NOT. IN ORDER TO NOT LET IT ACCELERATE, I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE QUITE HARD. THIS FINALLY GOES AWAY AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 16, 2013

2009 Audi A5 — common questions

Is the 2009 Audi A5 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 A5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2009 Audi A5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Audi A5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among A5 years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.