2009 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 15th of 16 A3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 47
- 18 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 77.7
- 3,731 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 2.3×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 17
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2009 Audi A3?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2009 Audi A3 is 60 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 2.3 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 16 A3 years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly harsh or delayed shifts (11 of 47 complaints). Owners also complain about the ABS and airbag warning lights. 17 of the 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, brakes and airbags. For comparison, the 2008 scores 68 and the 2010 scores 57.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-15-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 8 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 2.3 times the problems of the average car its age
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts11 complaints
- ABS: loss of braking8 complaints
- Airbag warning light2 complaints
How the 2009 A3 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 2.7× | −25 |
| Everyday problems | 1.4× | −9 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 1.1× | −6 |
| Score | 60 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2009 A3. If it were exactly average, its 3,731 cars would draw about 0.3 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 47 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
11 complaints (23%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and slipping. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
ABS: loss of braking
8 complaints (17%)
Loss of braking, a feature that stopped working and locking up. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (4%)
Warning lights.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Engine: stalling
2 complaints (4%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Reported Once (14)
Show the 14 problems reported once
- AWD or rear differential failure
- Brakes
- Cooling system: a leak
- Engine failure
- Fuel leak
- Headlights: works on and off
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Interior lighting: works on and off
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Steering
- Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart
- Shifter or park: the car rolling away
- Wiring, fuses or body control module
How the 2009 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years
The other A3 years of the 2nd generation (8P), 2006 to 2013, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Good | 71 | 0.99× | 29.4 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2012 | Good | 76 | 0.60× | 18.0 | 4 | Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage |
| 2011 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 42.1 | 4 | Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage |
| 2010 | Avoid | 57 | 3.1× | 84.2 | 5 | Fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2009 This year | Caution | 60 | 2.3× | 77.7 | 5 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2008 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 37.4 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2007 | Good | 71 | 0.92× | 34.7 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2006 | Caution | 61 | 2.2× | 71.3 | 4 | Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive |
2009 Audi A3 Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2009 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in January 2018: “Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V082000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 30, 2018. By the third quarter of 2020, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
ABS and Stability Control Becomes Inoperative
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V913000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 20, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 43% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V079000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 10, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 40% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Tank Ventilation Valve
The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
NHTSA 09V377000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 30, 2009.
Direct Shift Gearbox
The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
NHTSA 09V333000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 20, 2009.
2009 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2009 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, brakes and airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- The problem:
- A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-02
Faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
- The problem:
- The intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI engine can be faulty. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the intake manifold and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CBFA, CCTA or CETA. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-04
ABS control module fault after recall 45F5
- The problem:
- The ABS control module on some 2009 A3s can have a problem after Safety Recall 45F5 was done. The bulletin names no symptom beyond certain fault codes.
- The fix:
- Audi covers replacement of the ABS control module if certain fault codes are present when an Audi dealer diagnoses the car.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 A3s that had Safety Recall 45F5 done. Specific fault codes must be present at diagnosis. Other causes of the ABS warning light are not covered.
- Coverage:
- No years or miles are stated. Audi's warranty code calls it lifetime, but only after recall 45F5 and with the specific fault codes present.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- The problem:
- The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
2009 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2009 Audi A3. Two led to a recall.
Dual-clutch transmission suddenly shifting into neutral
Led to a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into 2009-2010 Audi A3 and TT cars with the dual-clutch DSG transmission. Poorly crimped wires in a temperature sensor connector could falsely signal a hot gearbox and shift the car into neutral. That could cause a crash in heavy traffic. NHTSA and Audi had 172 related complaints. Recall 09V-333 covered about 16,000 cars.
NHTSA PE09035Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jul 17, 2009 to Nov 19, 2009
Diesel fuel injector line leaks
Led to a recallNHTSA looked into diesel fuel injector line leaks on 2009-2012 Audi A3 cars with 2.0L TDI engines. Injector line 2 leaked most, especially on cars built in 10 months with scratched supplier tubing. Recall 11V-490 replaces that line on cars from those months and adds vibration dampers to all recalled cars. NHTSA closed it, calling the recall sufficient.
NHTSA PE11023Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 2, 2011 to Dec 2, 2011
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2009 A3, from its five recalls, eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
- ABS and Stability Control Becomes Inoperative NHTSA 16V913000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016 NHTSA 16V079000
- Fuel Tank Ventilation Valve NHTSA 09V377000
- Direct Shift Gearbox NHTSA 09V333000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- AWA-15-02: faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-17-04: ABS control module fault after recall 45F5
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Dual-clutch transmission
- ABS
- Airbag warning lights
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next