2009 Audi A8
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass detached from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-25
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 5 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-05
Also filed under Electrical system
Exterior lighting
1 of 5 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
Multiple component failures relative to tail light assemblies. Both trunk mounted tail light assemblies were replace in 12/11 under manufacturers warranty.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-10
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-08-19
Electronic stability control (esc)
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
Car handling system went out of directional control and steering control causing vehicle to be sent into oncoming traffic and then off the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-12-11
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-08-08Visibility16V415000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V415000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2009 Audi A8 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Audi A8?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Audi A8 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.