2009 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant for the fourth generation.
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)
Development
In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).
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Common 2009 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8, a full-size luxury sedan, has been a popular choice for those seeking a blend of performance and luxury since its introduction in 1994. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its share of common problems, particularly in the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 models.
One of the most common issues with the Audi A8 involves the air suspension system, which provides a smooth ride when functioning correctly. However, this system is prone to fail before the rest of the car. Four common Audi A8 air suspension faults include:
- Faulty Control Module: The Audi A8's air suspension is controlled by an electronic control module, which can experience occasional software issues and malfunctions. Symptoms may include uneven ride height, bumpy ride quality, over- or under-inflated air springs, and illuminated dashboard warning lights.
- Leaky A8 Air Springs: The air springs, which bear the full weight of the car, are made of flexible materials like plastic or rubber and are prone to wear out. Signs of damaged air springs include sagging suspension, reduced shock absorption, abnormally long airbag inflation time, strange noises from the suspension, and a vibrating steering wheel.
- Punctures or Tears in the Air Lines: The Audi A8 uses pneumatic air lines made of flexible plastic or rubber tubing to carry pressurized air from the compressor to the suspension system. These materials are prone to damage from nicks or cuts, leading to hissing or other abnormal noises coming from the suspension system.
- Faulty Air Compressor: The air compressor, responsible for maintaining the correct air pressure in the air suspension system, can fail over time. Symptoms of a failing air compressor include a loss of ride height, a bumpy ride, and illuminated dashboard warning lights.
Another common issue with the Audi A8 is the timing chain rattle, especially noticeable when starting the car from cold. This problem is caused by the timing chain wearing out, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage if left unaddressed. Replacing the timing chain and tensioner is the recommended solution.
Electronic handbrake problems have also been reported, where the electronic handbrake remains on when switched off, causing a loss of power or screeching noises from the brake discs. Depending on the severity, replacing the electronic handbrake and possibly the calipers may be necessary.
The Audi A8 is also known for issues with the MMI (Multi Media Interface), which can experience software faults or hardware failure. If the temperature reading seems inaccurate, it's likely due to a problem with the air temperature sensor, which can be resolved by fitting a replacement air temperature sensor.
Door micro switch failure can cause issues with the doors sticking, not opening as easily as they should, or not locking properly with the remote key. Fitting replacement door micro switches will resolve this problem.
Lastly, the loss of power steering can be caused by a fluid leak on the return hose for the hydraulic power steering. Replacing the return hose with a newly designed one is the recommended solution.
Regular servicing and maintaining the car's resale value are crucial for the Audi A8, as skimping on proper servicing now could cost more in the future. Additionally, the aluminium body and four-wheel-drive (quattro) models require special attention and potentially higher repair costs.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is Audi A8 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi A8 will amount to $2,843 after 5 years.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
How Many Miles Does an Audi Last? Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is Audi A8 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi A8 will amount to $2,843 after 5 years.
2009 Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Audi A8.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-30
- VIN: WAULV94E69N
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-15
- VIN: WAUMV94E89N
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 ON THESE TWO VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO COLLISIONS OR EVENTS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE OR AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF THE LIGHTING UNIT . APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IN REVIEWING SOME OF THE AUDI CHAT BOARDS, THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THIS D3 PLATFORM. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUMV94E89N
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: CAR HANDLING SYSTEM WENT OUT OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND STEERING CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE SENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN OFF THE ROAD. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-17
- VIN: WAUMV94E19N
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*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.
2009 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2009 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 2009 Audi A8 car reviews
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Congratulations on your new Audi A8L! It's great to hear that you've had positive experiences with BMW in the past, but it sounds like you've found your perfect match with Audi. The materials, ergonomics, and ease of use are truly unmatched. It's also fantastic that you now have a USB connection for your flash drive with MP3s and an improved dash display. I completely agree that the MMI is superior to the Mercedes iCommand or the Lexus touch screen. The addition of a camera to the Parktronic system is also a great feature. It's wonderful to hear that your previous Audi was very reliable, with only the Sirius Module being the only item that failed in 3 years. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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We're so glad you chose to share your experience with us! It's great to hear that you and your wife are enjoying the A8's interior more than the new LS models. The car's performance is also impressive, and it's wonderful to know that it meets your expectations for a vehicle in this price range.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Audi purchases. I bought my first Audi back in September 2006 and have been hooked ever since! This A8L is my third purchase in the past 4 years, and I couldn't be happier. Even my A6 4.2, which is now 4 years old with 54000 miles on it, is still in top shape with no problems. The new A8 is just as peppy as the A6 and has a rock-solid build. The interior is absolutely top quality, and I love the massage seats and front and back
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I've owned several VW products, but the Audi A8 is by far the best they've made. I purchased mine with 55k miles and have since put 40k more on it. The only maintenance I've needed to do is brakes, oil, and battery, but I would do anything else necessary as well. This car truly elevates the driving experience and exudes class, taste, and charisma, topped off with talent. And let's not forget about the Quattro... I absolutely love it!
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This car is really beautiful, both inside and out. It gives off a classy vibe rather than being too flashy. I'm happy to report that during the recent snowstorm here in Seattle, while many other drivers, including those in 4wd SUVs, were skidding off the road, I was able to drive right home!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Audi A8 problems:
Thinking of buying a 2009 Audi A8L. - AudiWorld Forums
Jan 11, 2019 ... The only issues you would have trouble doing yourself is if the timing chain develops problems and intake manifold carbon fouling. Other issues ...
2009 Audi A8 Quattro Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Problem with your 2009 Audi A8 Quattro? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2009 Audi A8 Quattro.
2009 Audi A8 Quattro Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 2009 Audi A8 Quattro Problems ... The thermostat may erratically stick open or closed. the can result in illumination of the check engine light and/or ...
Maintance and Common Problems - AudiForums.com
Sep 5, 2008 ... Unfortunately both the 3.7 and 4.2L D2 A8 have transmission problems. Most commonly with the reverse gear which will prevent you from backing up ...
Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2009 Audi A8?
Thad Marquardt 2024-09-20
I have replaced an identical 06 with this vehicle. However, I am experiencing issues with the engine management of the new car. The car idles roughly, hesitates upon acceleration, and downshifts with unexpected surges.
Korey Spencer 2024-08-11
This car has consistently demonstrated reliability issues every time I take it on the road. As someone who has owned many cars, I can confidently say that this is one of the least reliable vehicles I have ever encountered.
Casey Renner 2024-07-19
I purchased a CPO 2007 Audi A8L with 33,000 miles on it and unfortunately, I have had a number of issues with it. It has been in the shop 4 times in less than a year for various electrical problems. I have reached out to the Audi A8 customer service line, but unfortunately, they have not been able to provide me with a satisfactory solution. Additionally, we have experienced 2 aluminum wheel failures which have caused some concern for our safety. One of these incidents almost resulted in a serious car crash on the highway. While Audi has assured me that the car is still safe, I have decided to sell it and purchase a more reliable car, such as a Mercedes or BMW.
Federico Dietrich 2024-01-02
Hi there! I noticed that the MPG advertised for city driving was 19, but now that I've driven 2000 miles, I'm only getting 10-12 MPG. I'm feeling a bit frustrated about this and wondering if VW may have done the same thing with emissions. What do you think?