2009 Audi A4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 98 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 131 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 210 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 295 |
| 2007 | 196 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 120 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 124 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: engine — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
OIL CONSUMPTION I HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2012 AND FOUND OUT RECENTLY ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THROUGH THE INTERNET, WHEN MY CAR STARTED CONSUMING COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF OIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190124
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT FOUND OIL SPILLS UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150925
27% of complaints: air bags — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The negligent driver yielded to the flow of traffic without stopping. When he collided with us, the airbags (exploded) deployed so strongly that they damaged the windshield and our bodies: face, neck, etc.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240805
TAKATA RECALL - AFTER LENGTHY TIME THERE IS STILL NOT A REMEDY YET AVAILABLE!
NHTSA ODI report, 20171104
TAKATA RECALL - I BOUGHT MY CAR IN FEBRUARY 2016, AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET MY DEADLY AIRBAG REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171028
13% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE4% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
Campaign 16V376000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 17V032000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V376000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V032000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Audi A4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Audi A4 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Audi A4?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Audi A4 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.