2009 Audi A4 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 14th of 24 A4 years we score.

Owner complaints: 144; 46 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 25.1; 39,069 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.68×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 35; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2008 A4 2010 A4 →

Should You Buy the 2009 Audi A4?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2009 Audi A4 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 14th of the 24 A4 years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (21 of 144 complaints). Owners also complain about the timing chain or camshaft and the steering. 35 of the 144 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Audi also offers 11 warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and airbags. For comparison, the 2010 scores 71.

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

Good reliability score of 74
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
11 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil21 complaints
Timing chain or camshaft failure17 complaints
Steering: vibration or shudder13 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2009 A4 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.64×	−13
Everyday problems	0.76×	−6
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	1.3×	−7
Score		74

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2009 A4. If it were exactly average, its 39,069 cars would draw about 3.0 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 144 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 144.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
21 complaints (15%)
Burning or using oil. 3 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
17 complaints (12%)
A failure, the car not starting and damage. 13 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Steering: vibration or shudder
13 complaints (9%)
Vibration or shudder, sticking or stiffness and unusual noises. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
12 complaints (8%)
A failure that needed a new part, burning or using oil and damage. 3 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
11 complaints (8%)
A leak, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
4 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, stalling and the car not starting. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Engine failure: damage
4 complaints (3%)
Damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Transmission failure
4 complaints (3%)
A failure and harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Valve train: damage
4 complaints (3%)
Damage, burning or using oil and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
4 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working.
Alternator or charging failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Cooling system failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure, overheating and a leak.
Turbocharger failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises.
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.

Show 9 more problems

Ball joints and control arms: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Control arm bushings: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking and a failure.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go.
High-pressure fuel pump: stalling
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Intake manifold or runner flaps: rough running or misfires
2 complaints (1%)
Rough running or misfires and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Convertible top rear window: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Cylinder head: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage.
Seat belts: not closing or latching
2 complaints (1%)
Not closing or latching and a failure.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part.

Reported Once (35)

Show the 35 problems reported once

12V battery failure
EVAP system failure
Airbags failure
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Brake power assist failure
Brakes: shattering or cracking
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control module (unspecified): stopped working
Cylinder head gasket: overheating
Several warning lights at once
Defroster: stopped working
Door latches: stopped working
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Exterior lights: stopped working
Frontal airbags: excessive deployment force
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel injector: rough running or misfires
Fuel pump: stalling
Fuel system: a bad smell
Fuel leak
Interior trim: damage
Oil pressure failure
Anti-theft alarm: works on and off
Bearings (location not stated) failure
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
Fire (cause not stated)
High pressure fuel pump tappet failure
Suspension (part not stated): unusual noises
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Stability control (ESC): warning lights
Stall (cause not stated)
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2009 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years

The other A4 years of the 4th generation (B8), 2009 to 2016, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2017	Excellent	85	0.39×	13.7	6	Cooling system: a leak
2016	Excellent	86	0.38×	11.2	3	Steering: locking up
2015	Excellent	80	0.35×	12.8	4	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2014	Good	78	0.63×	21.8	4	Steering: pulling or wandering
2013	Good	74	0.89×	31.6	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2012	Excellent	82	0.53×	20.6	1	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2011	Excellent	80	0.62×	18.8	1	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2010	Good	71	1.2×	40.2	0	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2009 This year	Good	74	0.68×	25.1	6	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2008	Good	77	0.49×	17.8	6	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil

See every A4 year

2009 Audi A4 Recalls

Six recalls cover the 2009 Audi A4. The most recent was issued in June 2018: “Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V427000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 22, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 41% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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 18V082000 Recall 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.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, January 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V004000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jan 4, 2018.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V032000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 11, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 17% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion
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.
NHTSA 16V376000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 27, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 50% 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 16V079000 Recall 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.

2009 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has 11 warranty extensions for the 2009 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-14-03
2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
The problem:
The turbocharger on the 2.0 TFSI engine can malfunction. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the turbocharger and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, code CAEB. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years or 70,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-04
High oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
The problem:
The 2.0T engine can use too much oil. Pressure inside the engine can raise oil use, for example in stop-and-go traffic with long idling.
The fix:
An Audi dealer does oil consumption repairs for free. The Service Adjustment replaces a crankcase pressure valve and the front crankshaft seal and bolt, and updates engine software.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2009 to 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 with the CAEB 2.0T engine. Cars without an earlier Service Adjustment could have it done within 18 months of January 28, 2015, at any age or mileage.
Coverage:
8 years or 80,000 miles from the in-service date, or 12 months or 12,000 miles from a Service Adjustment if later, each whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extension
Intake runner control motor and PCV valve faults
The problem:
Under certain conditions the intake manifold runner control motor and the PCV valve can work poorly. Fault codes may then turn on the check engine light.
The fix:
An Audi dealer runs a diagnosis scan and replaces the intake runner control motor and the PCV valve for free if needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2.0 TFSI cars: 2006 A4, 2007 to 2009 A4 and A4 Cabriolet, 2006 to 2008 A3, and 2008 and 2009 TT. 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extension
PCV valve fault with check engine light
The problem:
Under certain conditions the positive crankcase ventilation, or PCV, valve can work poorly. Fault codes may then turn on the check engine light.
The fix:
An Audi dealer runs a diagnosis scan and replaces the PCV valve for free if needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2.0 TFSI cars: 2006 to 2008 A3, 2006 to 2009 A4, 2007 to 2009 A4 Cabriolet, 2008 and 2009 TT, 2009 to 2011 TTS. 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-05
Corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
The problem:
A power supply part in the airbag control module can corrode and fail. The airbag light comes on, and airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash.
The fix:
An Audi dealer checks for free whether the corrosion caused the airbag light. If it did, the dealer repairs it for free.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2008 to 2010 Audis with a Continental airbag control module. The airbag light must come on and stay on within the term, and the dealer must confirm the corrosion.
Coverage:
15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2009 A4 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2009 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door and Avant 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2009 A4, from its six recalls, 11 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.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2018 NHTSA 18V427000
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, January 2018 NHTSA 18V004000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA 17V032000
Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion NHTSA 16V376000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

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-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
AWA-14-03: 2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
AWA-15-04: high oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
Intake runner control motor and PCV valve faults
PCV valve fault with check engine light
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
AWA-16-05: corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
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

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

High oil consumption
Timing chain or camshaft
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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

All A4 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.