2009 Audi S8: common problems and reliability
An average S8 year.
The best Audi S8 year (few owner reports). All S8 years
2 owner complaints, most about visibility/wiper. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2009 S8?The 2009 Audi S8 has 2 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and visibility.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Audi S8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S8 years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the S8?
Across the 8 S8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2021) to 13 (2013). With 2 complaints, the 2009 S8 sits below the model's median of 6.
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
Recalls affecting the 2009 S8
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 16V415000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Owner sentiment is strongly positive regarding the vehicle's core proposition as a high-performance luxury sedan, described as a "sleeper rocket with insane comfort" and "the best balance of comfort and performance possible." The twin-turbo 4.0L V8 (EA825) engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission are very frequently praised for their robust performance, smooth power delivery, and proven long-term reliability when properly maintained, with multiple reports of trouble-free operation beyond 100,000 miles, even on tuned vehicles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S8. See the full S8 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used S8 listings typically run $25,275–$65,999.
Other S8 model years
Compare every S8 year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S8 against its rivals
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