2009 Audi A8 recalls and problems

The 2009 Audi A8 has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Audi A8 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Audi A8 recalls

Recall 16V-415: Visibility

Reported Jun 9, 2016 · 536 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

Risk: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

2009 Audi A8 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Exterior Lighting1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Electrical System1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 9,033 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Audi A8 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility · at 133,878 miles · reported Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof glass frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 133,878.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Jun 5, 2021
1: My passenger door sensitive door closing sensor is not working 2: my sunroof is off track and makes noises 3: battery cord is corroded. There is no where in the world to get 1 right now apparently. I bought a brand new battery and car still doesn’t pull energy from the battery so I’m scared the car won’t start very soon
Exterior Lighting · at 5,390 miles · reported Apr 10, 2014
Multiple component failures relative to tail light assemblies. Both trunk mounted tail light assemblies were replace in 12/11 under manufacturers warranty. Sealed tail light assemblies were not water tight which caused failure of circuit boards and LED lights. One of the two replacement units has also failed again (18 mo. In service and 6000 miles) lights have failed in this unit as well, causing potential hazard due to lack of illumination experienced identical failure on my 2007 audi s8 which is the same chassis platform as the vehicle above. A total of four of these tail lights have failed…
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 5,050 miles · reported Dec 11, 2009
Car handling system went out of directional control and steering control causing vehicle to be sent into oncoming traffic and then off the road.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 9,033 miles · reported Aug 19, 2009
The contact owns a 2009 audi a8. When he turned the vehicle on the engine began vibrating and whenever the contact began to slow down the vehicle the transmission shifted to a lower gear and then surged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on 4 occasions and each time they were unable to diagnose the failure. The failure has occurred since the vehicle was purchased. The current and failure mileages were 9033.

Other Audi A8 years

Compare all Audi A8 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 Audi A8: 16V-415 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Audi A8?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (1 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 9,033 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.