2009 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2009 Audi A8 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Audi A8 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	2	33%	— flat
Engine	1	17%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	17%	— flat
Lighting	1	17%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	17%	— flat

Does the 2009 Audi A8 have recalls?

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

16V415000Visibility & WipersJune 9, 2016 · 536 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR HANDLING SYSTEM WENT OUT OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND STEERING CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE SENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN OFF THE ROAD. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 20, 2009 · crash

“The contact owns a 2009 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof glass frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 25, 2025

“1: My passenger door sensitive door closing sensor is not working 2: my sunroof is off track and makes noises 3: battery cord is corroded. There is no where in the world to get 1 right now apparently. I bought a brand new battery and car still doesnât pull energy from the battery so Iâm scared…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 30, 2021

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A8. WHEN HE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON THE ENGINE BEGAN VIBRATING AND WHENEVER THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR AND THEN SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 4 OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THEY WERE UNABLE TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 17, 2009

“MULTIPLE COMPONENT FAILURES RELATIVE TO TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. BOTH TRUNK MOUNTED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACE IN 12/11 UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. SEALED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT WATER TIGHT WHICH CAUSED FAILURE OF CIRCUIT BOARDS AND LED LIGHTS. ONE OF THE TWO REPLACEMENT UNITS HAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 15, 2011

2009 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2009 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2009 compare to other A8 years?

What are the most common 2009 Audi A8 problems?

Does the 2009 Audi A8 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2009 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2009 Audi A8 reliable?

Does the 2009 Audi A8 have recalls?

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

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