2009 Audi A5 Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 3rd of 16 A5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 11
Per 10,000 cars: 12.5; 8,793 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.33×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 2; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2008 A5 2010 A5 →

Should You Buy the 2009 Audi A5?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2009 Audi A5 is 85 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 16 A5 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (2 of 11 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine. 2 of the 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 1 recall. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and airbags. For comparison, the 2008 scores 77 and the 2010 scores 73.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-07 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 85
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Cooling system: a leak2 complaints
Engine: stalling2 complaints

How the 2009 A5 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	0.25×	−6
Everyday problems	0.52×	−5
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.51×	−4
Score		85

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2009 A5. If it were exactly average, its 8,793 cars would draw about 0.7 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 11 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A5, 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 11.

Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (18%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine: stalling
2 complaints (18%)
Stalling and rough running or misfires. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (10)

Show the 10 problems reported once

Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Several warning lights at once
Door latches failure
Fuel injector: damage
Fuel pump failure
Fuel leak: damage
Interior trim: damage
Key fob: not opening or unlocking
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2009 Audi A5 Compares With Other Years

The other A5 years of the 1st generation, 2008 to 2017, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2018	Good	75	0.56×	13.9	8	Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2017	Not scored	–	–	6.2	3	–
2016	Excellent	86	0.27×	6.8	3	Loss of power (cause not stated)
2015	Excellent	88	0.21×	7.6	3	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2014	Good	76	0.51×	17.8	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2013	Good	73	0.70×	24.4	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2012	Excellent	82	0.39×	13.1	3	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Excellent	80	0.44×	17.0	3	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2010	Good	73	0.87×	32.1	2	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2009 This year	Excellent	85	0.33×	12.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2008	Good	77	0.66×	22.2	1	Screen and audio: works on and off

See every A5 year

2009 Audi A5 Recalls

One recall covers the 2009 Audi A5. It was issued in May 2016: “Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.

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.

2009 Audi A5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2009 Audi A5, 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-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 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-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)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2009 A5, from its recall, four 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.

Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion NHTSA 16V376000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
AWA-16-05: corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.

Ask the Seller

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

Cooling system
Engine
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 A5 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.