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2009 Audi A3 problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Audi A3 is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical A3 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
59/100
Owner complaints
47
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
578
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
21-24mpg

The worst 2009 Audi A3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Audi A3

ABS 8

Recalls 5

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 30, 2018 · 162,782 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑078.

Recall number 18V082000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported December 20, 2016 · 135,683 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Risk
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298.

Recall number 16V913000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 10, 2016 · 151,767 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.

Recall number 16V079000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported September 30, 2009 · 10,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and august 26, 2009. 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.
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners and audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The safety recall began on november 16, 2009. Owners may contact audi at 1‑800‑253‑2834.

Recall number 09V377000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 20, 2009 · 16,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.
Risk
The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 09V333000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2009 Audi A3

Defect investigations

Diesel Fuel Injector Line LeakageOpened August 2, 2011, closed December 2, 2011

By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (the federal safety agency Recall No. 11V‑490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of the federal safety agency complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE11023

Vehicle stall/loss motive powerOpened July 17, 2009, closed November 19, 2009

The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) and cause no loss of function, some that store a dtc and reduce vehicle operation to a limp home mode, and some that store a dtc and cause an interruption of motive power (I.e., open clutch).the driver is alerted to the latter two modes by the dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing. One of the conditions that results in interruption of motive power is excess gearbox temperature.the system initially responds to increased gearbox temperature by ramping down engine torque.if the temperature keeps rising the mechatronic unit responds by opening the clutch.in a defect information report submitted to the federal safety agency on august 20, 2009, volkswagen described a potential defect in the wiring harnesses of the dsg gearbox temperature sensors used in approximately 16,000 model year (my) 2009 and 2010 volkswagen (eos, jetta and gti) and audi (a3 and tt/tt roadster) vehicles equipped with dsg transmissions and built from september 2008 through august 2009 (the federal safety agency recall no. 09v‑333, volkswagen recall no. 37e3/s7 and audi recall no 37e4/j7). Volkswagen provided this description of the defect, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period.with insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral.if this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash.in addition, the depress brake pedal indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.in heavy traffic, the abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.volkswagen estimated that less than one percent of the recalled vehicles may contain the defect condition. Odi identified 40 complaints that appear to be related to the temperature sensor defect condition described by volkswagen.volkswagen received 139 complaints related to the condition, with 7 involving vehicles reported to odi, resulting a 172 total complaints to odi and volkswagen.all of these complaints involve the my 2009 an 2010 vehicles subject to recall 09v‑333. Odi also identified complaints of harsh/jerky shifting in some volkswagen vehicles with dsg.volkswagen attributed this condition, which typically occurs at very low speeds, to excessive wear in the bushings of the two solenoid valves in the mechatronic unit that control clutch operation.volkswagen does not believe that the this condition is a safety defect because the changes in shift quality develop gradually over time, do not cause a loss of motive power and have not resulted in any fatalities, injuries or serious crashes (there were three reported property damage incidents resulting in minor body damage in very low speed, parking maneuvers).volkswagen addressed this problem in the field with a customer service program that includes the replacement of potentially affected mechatronic units as well

PE09035

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Audi A3 578

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 578 bulletins for the 2009 Audi A3

2009 Audi A3 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2228-3024
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD212824
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD182521

What 2009 Audi A3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 67,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2009 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control and ABS control module warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NY · crash

vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.

Filed Mar 13, 2022 · Airbags, Engine · CA

I had purchased the car back in August 17th 2021 my power steering my brakes my airbag light and the fuel system fuel leak started happening all at once water was draining out of the middle of the engine . It overheating the engine speed ball down and I automatically I instantly pulled over and turned it off and towed it home 2 days after I bought it. these are also recalls my Audi 2009-a3 2.0 tfsi s tronic has been sitting in my friends driveway for 7 months now because I cannot take the car anywhere I cannot move the car anywhere I cannot start the car and I don't know what else to do so I do need your help I should be eligible it says my VIN number matches the eligible subject vehicle my VIN number is in your system but my car is not showing up it shows up but it's not showing up as a recall or included in the class action settlement if you have any questions please call me [XXX] at [XXX] if you have any input thank you. I do love my Audi I love it very much the day I got to drive it and the only day I got to drive it I was very happy I thought with it until I get it fixed I will not be happy again INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Oct 23, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

DSG transmission will abruptly shift down to first gear and would not respond in any other gear. The shift indicator in the dashboard will light up and blink and the check engine light will come on. There are no warnings before this happens and it will happen at random times. It has happen in separate occasions while traveling at different speeds. When this happens while traveling it creates a dramatic reduction on vehicle speed almost causing the vehicle traveling behind me to rear end me. Once stopped the car will only engage when put on D and will stay at a low gear causing the RPMs to red line even at low speeds making it unsafe to drive due to only being able to reach 5 to 10 MPH. A scan was performed and codes P1814 Press. Ctrl. Valve 1 Open circuit/short implausible signal, and, P1835 Press. Ctrl. Valve 5 Short circuit to B+. This fault is random and there is no warning or indication of when it may happen making the vehicle unsafe at any speed.

Filed Jan 26, 2021 · Transmission · FL

The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the clutch to open and can cause the driver to perceive that the transmission has shifted into neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the depress brake pedal indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes. In heavy traffic, this could lead to a crash without warning.

Filed Apr 23, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 10,000 miles · IL

Purchased car in 2010 with around 10,000 miles on it. A few months after purchasing, check engine light would illuminate, vehicle would have a noticeable decrease in power and not accelerate over about 40mph. Sometimes after shutting car off and restarting problem would go away, other times it would not. Vehicle taken to audi dealership car purchased from for repair and initially reported as sensor problem and repaired. Couple weeks after repair car would have same problem, so taken back to dealership and again repaired sensor(s). Within about the first year after purchasing, issue happened multiple (+/-5) times after dealership 'repaired' what they thought was the problem at the particular time. After about 5/6 times of this happening dealership took a more in depth attempt at figuring out what problem really was, telling me they were working directly with audi & their mechanics to find and fix the actual defect. Car was in shop for around 3 months for this repair, which they determined was electrical and decided to rewire the entire car. In the meantime, I moved out of state to start graduate school. I finally got it back a few months later after having to pay to ship it to me and for a rental while waiting. Within a few months, car once again had same exact problem. Took to new local dealership who also diagnosed issue as sensor(s) & 'repaired' them. Continued to have same problem every few weeks, would take into dealer for repair, get it back, have problem, take to dealership, etc. Dealership would not address car overall being defective, they'd avoid contact, not return calls, hangup etc. Car eventually traded in for new make when warranty expired.

Filed Jan 20, 2020 · Transmission · 100,120 miles · CA

Driving 30 minutes into the highway, the vehicle decided to shift into neutral while the vehicle was in "d" drive and in motion. The "prnds" started flashing on my dash, while not letting me accelerate going 65mph. I had to quickly slowdown, and pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle seems to have gone into "limp mode". After turning off the vehicle and turning it back on, it drove just fine. This happened once more 2 days ago. Seems like it could be the transmission control unit, however dealer cant determine the fault without a code. Scared to drive the vehicle now.

Filed Aug 21, 2019 · Engine · 95,000 miles · OH

Audi / vw had a class action lawsuit on this cars timing chain and timing chain tensioner. The extended warranty has expired. Mine broke at 95000 miles. So I'm sure there are other audi owners that don't even know this happened. This is costing me over 1000$. And should of been a full recall, not this other bs. It is leaving us high and dry. I hope you can do something about this. Thanks

Filed Aug 17, 2019 · Transmission · 61,200 miles · CA

Transmission goes into neutral while at highway speeds. Engine rpms jump to redline while car is in neutral, then goes back into gear. Has happen several times while on the highway. Transmission also kicks down to lowest gear when coming at stop, jerking the car while braking.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 109,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 audi a3. The contact stated that the ABS and stability control failed to function properly and made the vehicle unstable to drive. Bell audi (782 us-1, edison, nj 08817, (732) 388-2800) and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control); although, the vehicle exhibited the same failure as the recall campaign. The dealer diagnosed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired; however, a system issue occurred with the software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. The VIN was unknown.

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Questions about the 2009 Audi A3

Is the 2009 Audi A3 reliable?

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 2009 Audi A3, close to a typical A3 model year.

What is the 2009 Audi A3 year score?

The 2009 Audi A3 scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi A3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Audi A3?

Airbags, with 22 complaints. Next is transmission (15).

How many recalls does the 2009 Audi A3 have?

5 recalls, covering air bags, electronic stability control (esc) and fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Audi A3 get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Audi A3 range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 28-30 highway.

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