2009 Audi A5: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Audi A5 has 11 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are structure and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag 2.0t tfsi oil consumption (piston rings): frequency: very frequent. a well-known issue requiring engine rebuild or piston ring replacement; covered by a class-action settlement for some model years.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

11
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2009 a good year for the A5?

Across the 15 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 11 complaints, the 2009 A5 sits about the same asthe model's median of 11.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

structure
3
engine and engine cooling
3
electrical system
2
service brakes
2
power train
2

Recalls affecting the 2009 A5

air bags

Campaign 16V376000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

What owners report on the 8TA A5

Owners of the 2009-2016 8TA A5 generally enjoy the car’s styling, comfort, and driving experience, calling it a beautiful and fun daily driver. However, sentiment is heavily tempered by concerns over reliability, particularly with the 2.0T TFSI engine, which i

  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption (piston rings): Frequency: very frequent. A well-known issue requiring engine rebuild or piston ring replacement; covered by a class-action settlement for some model years.
  • Timing chain stretch/failure (2.0T TFSI): Frequency: very frequent. Can cause catastrophic engine damage; tensioner was redesigned around 2013. Monitoring chain stretch via diagnostic tools is recommended.
  • Water pump failure: Frequency: recurrent. Plastic components crack and leak; often replaced preventatively alongside the thermostat.
  • PCV valve failure: Frequency: recurrent. A common failure point on the 2.0T; relatively inexpensive to replace.
  • Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection engines): Frequency: recurrent. Requires walnut blasting every 40,000-75,000 miles to maintain performance.

Owner insights for the 8TA A5. Read the full 8TA owner report.

Typical used price

Used A5 listings typically run $17,438–$49,560 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other A5 model years

Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.

Compare the A5 against its rivals