← New search

2009 Audi A5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all A5 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 9 of 11 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

11 reports
41,600 miles · Feb 28, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI #11183218

72,280 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Structure

I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2015 WITH 35K MILES. SINCE THEN, ITS BEEN OVER ELEVEN TIMES REGARDING WATER LEAKING ISSUES, PARTICULAR INVOLVING THE SUNROOF DRAINS ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT REAR DRAIN OVER THE PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL WINDOW NEAR THE AIRBAG AREA (C-PILLAR). THE HEADLINER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE (IT SHOULD HAVE B…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2015 WITH 35K MILES. SINCE THEN, ITS BEEN OVER ELEVEN TIMES REGARDING WATER LEAKING ISSUES, PARTICULAR INVOLVING THE SUNROOF DRAINS ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT REAR DRAIN OVER THE PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL WINDOW NEAR THE AIRBAG AREA (C-PILLAR). THE HEADLINER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE (IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED OTHER TIMES, BUT THE DEALERSHIP ONLY CLEANED THE STAINS). THE SUNSHADE HAD TO BE REPLACED/REPAIR TWICE BECAUSE IT WAS DAMAGED DURING MANIPULATION OF THE HEADLINER, AND THE SUNROOF HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DAMAGED, AND THEN SUBSEQUENTLY ADJUSTED DUE TO SQUEAKING. THIS SUNROOF CONTINUES TO HAVE DRAINAGE ISSUES AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, WHICH RESULTS IN WATER LEAKAGE ONTO AND STAINING THE HEADLINER. EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE DRAINS WERE BLOCKED AND NEEDED CLEANING, BUT THE CAR IS MOSTLY GARAGED KEPT AND IS NOT EXPOSED TO A LOT OF TREE LITTER. I ASKED IF THERE IS A PERMANENT FIX, AND I'VE CONTACTED AUDI USA REGARDING THIS ISSUE ASKING FOR A PERMANENT FIX OR REPURCHASE/REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE TO WHICH THEY RESPONSE WAS NO THEY CAN'T HELP ME OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I WORK WITH THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER, WITH WHOM I'VE ALREADY WORKED WITH AND THEY'VE BEEN HELPFUL, BUT IF IT IS A DESIGN FLAW, THEN AUDI USA SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM PERMANENTLY OR BUYBACK THE VEHICLES AND MAKE THEIR CONSUMERS WHOLE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT RUSTING, COMPROMISE OF THE SIDE AIRBAG (C-PILLAR), AND FUTURE DETERIORATION OF THE HEADLINER. BUT ALSO THE INCONVENIENCE AND FRUSTRATION OF TAKING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER A HEAVY RAIN (52MI DRIVE ONE-WAY) TO DEAL WITH A LEAKY ROOF DRAIN. PLEASE HELP, INITIATE A RECALL SO CONSUMERS CAN BE MADE WHOLE BY WAY OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OR RE-PURCHASE OF THEIR VEHICLES THIS WOULD SHOW AUTO MANUFACTURES THAT THEY CANNOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CONSUMERS.

NHTSA ODI #10969187

54,000 miles · Apr 29, 2016
Structure

RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER) DOOR LATCH/LOCK MECHANISM FAILED. BECAUSE THE LOCK FAILED, THE ALARM SYSTEM DOES NOT SEE THE DOOR AS CLOSED AND WILL NOT ARM THE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DOOR CANNOT BE LOCKED UNLESS YOU ACTIVATE USING THE CHILD PROOF OVERIDE NEAR THE LATCH MECHANISM. YOU MUST REACH IN THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE TO OPEN THE…

Read full complaint

RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER) DOOR LATCH/LOCK MECHANISM FAILED. BECAUSE THE LOCK FAILED, THE ALARM SYSTEM DOES NOT SEE THE DOOR AS CLOSED AND WILL NOT ARM THE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DOOR CANNOT BE LOCKED UNLESS YOU ACTIVATE USING THE CHILD PROOF OVERIDE NEAR THE LATCH MECHANISM. YOU MUST REACH IN THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE HANDLE. THIS IS A SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON ANY CAR WITH LESS THAN 55K MILES ON IT. THE AUDI FORUMS HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THE B8 MODEL CAR (A4/A5/S4/S5/RS5). ADDITIONALLY, THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE OVER $650 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS MAY BE A DIY IF YOU ARE VERY SKILLED (READ: A MECHANIC) AND IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SPECIALTY TOOLS. ADDITIONALLY, THE PART ALONE COSTS $200 FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT. USED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE BUT IF THE FAILURE RATE IS CLOSE TO THE 50-55K MILE MARK, NOT MANY OF THESE ARE AVAILABLE AND THOSE THAT ARE AVAILABLE ARE QUESTIONABLE WITH REGARDS TO RELIABILITY. I HAVE ASKED AUDI AMERICA (USA) FOR GOOD FAITH ASSISTANCE BUT THEY HAVE REMAINED SILENT.

NHTSA ODI #10862237

60,000 miles · Aug 12, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System

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 MY ONLY WISH. THE CAR WOULDN'T …

Read full complaint

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 MY ONLY WISH. THE CAR WOULDN'T EVEN START UP TODAY. HAD THIS CAR FOR ONLY 8 MONTHS. AT 45,000...

NHTSA ODI #10748220

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical SystemStructure

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 WARRANTY, THE PROBLEM WAS FOU…

Read full complaint

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 WARRANTY, THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND AND THE COST HAS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THESE KEYLESS DOOR SENSOR FAILURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671991

71,000 miles · Oct 15, 2014
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

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 FEW MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644971

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

WATER PUMP COOLANT CAMPAIGN MY AUTO BODY SHOP SAID MY CAR IS LEAKING COOLANT AND THERES A CAMPAIGN OUT ON THE WATER PUMP. I'M ASKING IF YOU COULD PUSH THE CAMPAIGN THROUGH AND RECALL THE WATER PUMPS TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS I'M AFRAID MY CAR WILL BREAK DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644665

45,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Fuel System, DieselPower Train

AUDI A5 3.0L DIESEL QUATTRO EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY HAD JUST COME TO A HALT. ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART. TURNS OUT THE FAILURE OF MAIN THE MAIN DIESEL PUMP DESTROYED ENTIRE FUEL LINE SYSTEM! AUDI QUOTED 13,000K REPLACEMENT COST TO CHANGE ALL 3 PUMPS, ALL 6 INJECTORS AND CLEAN FUEL TANK! I AM SHOCKED. A…

Read full complaint

AUDI A5 3.0L DIESEL QUATTRO EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY HAD JUST COME TO A HALT. ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART. TURNS OUT THE FAILURE OF MAIN THE MAIN DIESEL PUMP DESTROYED ENTIRE FUEL LINE SYSTEM! AUDI QUOTED 13,000K REPLACEMENT COST TO CHANGE ALL 3 PUMPS, ALL 6 INJECTORS AND CLEAN FUEL TANK! I AM SHOCKED. AUDI DEALER SAID QUITE A FEW CASES HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS KNOWN ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637342

4,000 miles · Jan 27, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN ENGINE SURGE WHEN STARTING COLD (HEATED GARAGE 45) AND MOVING APPROX 50 TO 75 FEET. THE RPM SURGES FROM 500 TO 1800RPM SEVERAL TIMES AND WILL OCCASIONALLY DIE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITH VARIOUS BRANDS OF PREMIUM FUEL. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY HAVE ADDED A FUEL CONDITIONER, REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL P…

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN ENGINE SURGE WHEN STARTING COLD (HEATED GARAGE 45) AND MOVING APPROX 50 TO 75 FEET. THE RPM SURGES FROM 500 TO 1800RPM SEVERAL TIMES AND WILL OCCASIONALLY DIE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITH VARIOUS BRANDS OF PREMIUM FUEL. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY HAVE ADDED A FUEL CONDITIONER, REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND REPROGRAMMED THE ENGINE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE STILL SURGES AT VARIOUS TIMES. IT HAS DIED AFTER LEAVING AN ON STREET PARKING SPOT IN TRAFFIC. IT DOES NOT SURGE ON SUBSEQUENT STARTS WITHIN 6 - 8 HOURS AND GENERALLY NOT DURING SUMMER MONTHS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380268

16,000 miles · Jan 15, 2011
Steering

OCTOBER 2010 SEVERE WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL, AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINT WITH DEALER THEY HAVE TO CARRY OUT FULL WHEEL ALIGNMENT THAT TOOK 3 ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY. THIS SAME COMPLAINT HAS NOW STARTED AGAIN ALTHOUGH ONLY A PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED BY AUDI DEALER AND WHEEL CAMBER APPEARS TO BE THE P…

Read full complaint

OCTOBER 2010 SEVERE WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL, AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINT WITH DEALER THEY HAVE TO CARRY OUT FULL WHEEL ALIGNMENT THAT TOOK 3 ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY. THIS SAME COMPLAINT HAS NOW STARTED AGAIN ALTHOUGH ONLY A PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED BY AUDI DEALER AND WHEEL CAMBER APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WOULD NOT RECTIFY FAULT UNDER WARRANTY AS THIS IS ACCORDING TO THEM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF VEHICLE, I HAVE DONE 2.5K MILES SINCE ALL 4 WHEELS WERE DONE AND I HAVE NOT HIT OR DAMAGED MY WHEELS ALIGNMENT AND AUDI WILL NOT SUPPORT ME AS THE DRIVER AND WILL ONLY BACK THEIR DEALERSHIP. I DO BELIEVE MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM AS THE ALIGNMENT IS OUT ON THE N/S FRONT AND REAR WHEEL. HAS ANYONE ELSE SUFFERED FROM THIS.....I REFUSED TO PAY THEM UNDER RANSOM AND I AM NOW SEEKING A SECOND OPINION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376784

Official recalls

1

16V376000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

May 27, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

Air Bags

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.