VehicleVerdict

2009 Audi S8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2009 Audi S8 — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other S8 years?

S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted17 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 3 complaints2013: 17 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 7 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Audi S8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers267%
Speed Control133%

Does the 2009 Audi S8 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.

“While driving on the highway my sunroof glass detached from the frame and flipped over to the back. It was still being held by about 5in of glue on the rear part of the frame and luckily it didn't depart the car which would have caused damage to cars behind me. This issue seems the same as NHTSA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 21, 2023

“2009 AUDI S8 THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY. FULL BREAKING DID NOT DISCONNECT THROTTLE. BRAKED HARD AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND SHUT DOWN ENGINE. HAD TOWED INTO MIRAMAR AUDI, SAN DIEGO. AUDI AMERICA BROUGHT IN AND BLAMED FLOOR MATS. I PAID $2300 TO REPLACE THROTTLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 9, 2009

2009 Audi S8 — common questions

Is the 2009 Audi S8 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 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 S8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Audi S8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.