2009 Audi R8 problems
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car, which uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It was introduced by the German car manufacturer Audi AG in 2006. Production ended in the first quarter of 2024.
The car is exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's private subsidiary company manufacturing high performance automotive parts, Audi Sport GmbH (formerly quattro GmbH), and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and presently the Huracán platform. The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built using space frame principles. The car is built by Audi Sport GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany. At the time it was introduced in 2006, the R8 became the first production car with full-LED headlamps.
First generation (2006; Type 42)
The Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car (designed by Frank Lamberty and Julian Hoenig) first appeared at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show and the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP). Initial models included the R8 4.2 FSI coupé (with a V8 engine) and R8 5.2 FSI coupé (with a V10 engine). Convertible models, called the Spyder by the manufacturer, were introduced in 2008, followed by the high-performance GT model introduced in 2011. The Motorsport variants of the R8 were also subsequently introduced from 2008 onwards. An all-electric version called the e-Tron started development but would only reach production stage when the second generation model would be introduced.
6-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx described the R8 as "the best handling road car today".
The car received a facelift in 2012 and a new model called the V10 Plus was now added to the range. Production of the Type 42 ended in August 2015.
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Common 2009 Audi R8 problems
The Audi R8, a supercar produced between 2007 and 2015, is known for its high-performance capabilities and sleek design. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to issues and common problems. This article will delve into some of the most frequently reported problems with the 2009 Audi R8, based on owner complaints and expert analysis.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Some R8 owners have reported oil leaks from the engine, which can be caused by worn gaskets, damaged oil seals, or a lack of routine maintenance. These leaks can cause damage to the engine if not addressed in a timely manner. Typically, oil leaks are easy to spot and should be reported during Pre-Purchase Inspections.
- Transmission Issues: R-Tronic transmission owners have reported issues with the transmission, including slipping gears and difficulty shifting. These issues can be caused by worn transmission components or problems with the transmission control module. While R-Tronic clutches typically last a long time, there is the possibility for needed clutch replacement, especially for higher mileage cars. S-Tronic transmission clutches should last a lifetime, and 6-Speed manual transmission clutches are dependent on driver habits.
- Magnetic Ride Suspension Issues: Many owners have reported issues with the suspension, including worn bushings and leaking suspension components. These issues can lead to a less comfortable ride and reduced handling capabilities. It is important to have any suspension components inspected prior to purchase and to address any issues that may arise as soon as possible.
- AC Compressor Failure: Another common issue reported by some Gen 1 Audi R8 owners is the AC compressor, which can cause the air conditioning system to stop working, leaving the occupants of the car without cool air on hot days. Like the suspension issue, it is important to inspect the AC compressor prior to purchase for any signs of failure. Replacement costs can be high, especially if the car is out of warranty.
- Bearing Failures: Bearing failures are one of the most serious problems that can occur in an R8, as they can lead to other kinds of part failure and are relatively work-intensive to replace. This issue is rare but can be costly if it occurs.
- Wishbone Failure: Wishbone failure is another serious problem that can affect the R8's suspension, involving the failure of a part that helps distribute weight, control momentum, and keep the vehicle coordinated. This issue is also rare but can be dangerous and hard to repair if it occurs.
- Ignition Coil Failure: Ignition coil failure is one of the least serious issues that Audi R8s can experience, but it can still cause engine misfires or splutters on start-up or acceleration. This issue is more common than bearing or wishbone failures but is still relatively rare.
In summary, while the Audi R8 is generally a reliable vehicle, it is not immune to issues and common problems. Prospective buyers and current owners should be aware of these potential problems, including frame cracking, engine oil leaks, transmission issues, magnetic ride suspension problems, AC compressor failure, bearing failures, wishbone failure, and ignition coil failure. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the Audi R8?
MMI (Multi Media Control Unit) Problems
It is known for the MMI to fail on these cars. There are a number of different things that can go wrong with this complex device, from software to hardware failure. However, the software issues seem to be the most common failures.
Is The Audi R8 a reliable car?
The Audi R8 is a vehicle that generally has excellent dependability ratings. If you perform regular maintenance and stick with the best years, costs will remain low and time on the road high.
Is it expensive to maintain Audi R8?
Comparing the costs, the maintenance of an Audi R8 is as expensive as the maintenance of a Porsche 911. However, the expenses are still less than the upkeep costs of an exotic sports car. The main setback is the repair expenses. Plus, finding a certified R8 mechanic outside of an Audi dealership is quite difficult.
How many miles can Audi R8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
What is the most common problem with the Audi R8?
MMI (Multi Media Control Unit) Problems
It is known for the MMI to fail on these cars. There are a number of different things that can go wrong with this complex device, from software to hardware failure. However, the software issues seem to be the most common failures.
Is The Audi R8 a reliable car?
The Audi R8 is a vehicle that generally has excellent dependability ratings. If you perform regular maintenance and stick with the best years, costs will remain low and time on the road high.
Is it expensive to maintain Audi R8?
Comparing the costs, the maintenance of an Audi R8 is as expensive as the maintenance of a Porsche 911. However, the expenses are still less than the upkeep costs of an exotic sports car. The main setback is the repair expenses. Plus, finding a certified R8 mechanic outside of an Audi dealership is quite difficult.
How many miles can Audi R8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
2009 Audi R8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi R8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Audi R8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Audi R8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Audi R8.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-09
- VIN: WUAAU34239N
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FOR THE YEARS 2008-2010 AUDI R8 MODELS ARE PRONE TO EXPERIENCING STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO . I SAW THE PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER REPAIRED TO GET THE REENFORCED FRAME STRUCTURE. I HAVEN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOW I'M FINDING OUT THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOTED AS FRAME DAMAGE. SHOULDN'T AUDI/VOLKSWAGEN TAKE CARE OF THIS ESPECIALLY WITH THE HISTORY OF COMMON COMPLAINTS . I ONLY FOUND THIS OUT WHEN MY AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME OF THE CRACKED FRAME MEANWHILE DOING ROUTINE SERVICE OF THE BRAKE FLUID . THEY SENT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT THEY ENCOUNTERED A MAJOR ISSUE AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR IS BREAKING OFF AND NEAR SEPARATION.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-02
- VIN: WUAAU34209N
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE 2008 THROUGH 2010 MODELS ARE PRONE TO EXPERIENCING STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME (I.E. CRACKING) NEAR THE FRONT STRUT TOWER. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO AFFECT A LARGE NUMBER OF R8S MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD AND PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. AUDI HAS TACITLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE BEING FROM A DESIGN FLAW BY REINFORCING THE FRAME IN THAT AREA ON 2011 AND SUBSEQUENT MODELS. I AM FRANKLY SURPRISED HAS NOT BEEN ACTION TO FORCE AUDI TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON THESE MODELS BY THE NHTSA ALREADY. HERE IS A LINK TO A DISCUSSION OF THE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.R8TALK.COM/FORUMS/60-MAINTENANCE-SERVICE/10169-STRUCTURAL-FAILURE-WARNING-8.HTML
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-14
- VIN: WUAAU34279N
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, HIT A POT HOLE. NOT A HUGE POTHOLE BUT JARRED THE CAR. AGAIN, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN THE CAR WAS ON THE LIFT TO REPLACE THE LEAKING SUSPENSION THAT PLAGUES THESE CARS I FOUND THE FRAME OF THE CAR HAD SEVERE CRACKS IN IT. STRUCTURAL CRACKS. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-17
- VIN: WUAAU34289N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCKS WILL PREMATURELY LEAK OIL WHICH LEADS TO SUSPENSION FAILURE. PART OF THE FUNCTION IS TO STIFFEN THE SUSPENSION IF SWITCHED INTO SPORT MODE BUT THE LACK OF OIL FLUID WILL PREVENT IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH AUDI RS4 AND RS4 LEAKING SHOCKS. OWNERS WERE OFFERED BY AUDI REPLACEMENT IMPROVED SHOCK OR REIMBURSE THEM IF THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THEM EVEN IF OUT OF WARRANTY. THOSE OWNERS AND R8 OWNERS WERE WORRIED ABOUT SUSPENSION FAILURE AGAIN SINCE THE FAULTY SHOCKS ARE PRONE TO FAIL AGAIN SO THEY FELT BEST TO REPLACE THEM WITH OTHER NON MAGNETIC SHOCKS.PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM WAS ANNOUNCED. SOME OWNERS HAD LEAKING SHOCKS WHEN OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. MY R8 HAD 12,000 MILES WHEN ALL THE SHOCKS WERE DISCOVERED TO BE LEAKING. I ONLY DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHEN I READ ABOUT THE COMMON ISSUE ON A R8 FORUM. MANY MORE OWNERS THAT ARE NOT PART OF R8 FORUMS WILL NOT KNOW OF THIS COMMON ISSUE. DRIVERS DO NOT EXPECT PREMATURE SUSPENSION FAILURE AND IT IS SAFETY ISSUE. UNKNOWING OWNERS WOULD EXPECT THE SHOCKS TO NOT FAIL AND CAN SAFELY GO OVER BUMPS OR POT HOLES WITHOUT POSSIBLY LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. MOREOVER, FAILED SHOCKS COULD CAUSE STRUCTURE DAMAGE TO THE CAR SINCE IT IS ABSORBING ALL THE VIBRATIONS. CROSS REFERENCE: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10036971, 10036488
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-01
- VIN: WUAAU34229N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEAKING MAGNETIC SHOCKS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-10
- VIN: WUAAU34249N
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE ON SECONDARY AIR PORTS. TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT SECONDARY AIR PUMP MOTOR WAS FINE AS WELL AS ALL VACUUM LINES. IT WAS SUSPECTED AFTER INSPECTION OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND TOP CYLINDER HEADS WERE AT FAULT, DUE TO EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD-UP. NO AIR CIRCULATING DUE TO THE DECREASE IN AIR FLOW FROM THE EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD-UP. UPDATED 7/29/15*CN
Positive 2009 Audi R8 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Audi R8 problems:
Audi R8 Common Problems | Audi R8 Forums
Aug 30, 2016 ... One is the magnetic ride suspension, and the other is the AC compressor. I have heard some people paying upwards of $9k for replacement shocks ...
Any reliabilty issues or problems w/ 2009 R8's...looking at one...
Apr 18, 2019 ... looking at one... Navigation. Forum · Main Model-Line Discussion · R8. Hello and welcome to the Audizine Forums! As a guest, you are welcome to ...
A few issues with my R8 - are they normal? | Audi R8 Forums
Jan 24, 2014 ... Also my first time owning a car like this - bought a 2009 V10 R8 yesterday. Now I've noticed a few little issues with it and just wanted to ...
Here Are The Audi R8 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 18, 2023 ... Common Problems With The Audi R8 · Bearing Failures · Wishbone Failure · Ignition Coil Failure.
How have you found the reliability of your Audi R8? I have read ...
Apr 28, 2019 ... They are as reliable as any modern car, which means the running gear, suspension, transmission and engine are all reliable and will get you home ...
Other years of Audi R8
Are you having problems with your 2009 Audi R8?
Finn Renner 2025-01-08
I recently picked up my R8 after waiting for a year and trading in my '04 911 turbo convertible. Although I miss the convertible, the Audi's exclusivity and driving experience are unparalleled. The build quality exceeded my expectations and the sound of the car while driving is simply amazing. When a friend drove it, the car sounded like a hurricane blowing in. It's truly incredible. The car captures attention wherever it goes and, in my opinion, it's the best-looking car on the road. As someone who has always been a Porsche enthusiast, I'm thrilled with my new Audi.
Morton Shanahan 2024-11-07
The R8 is a beautifully designed, engineered, and built car with every option offered. The engine is incredibly smooth and revs like a 4-cylinder, yet has the power of a V-8. Handling is great thanks to its mid-engine and low polar moment. The car is so confidence-inspiring that you'll want to push it to its limits through every curve and turn. While V-10 power might be welcomed, the car is very well-balanced and quick with the V-8. To extract maximum power and fun, you'll need to keep the revs up past 4000. The seats are the best I've felt in an exotic car, as comfortable as my A8L. There's plenty of comfort for two, but not much space for things. Footwell space is also minimal, especially on the passenger side.
Bernhard Rath 2024-10-02
Overall, this is simply an amazing driver. Although the sound may be a bit disappointing, there are plenty of aftermarket kits available. The legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system pulls you into corners and allows you to accelerate out much quicker than other
Desmond Gleichner 2024-09-04
Congratulations on your new 09 R8! It's great to hear that it has exceeded all your expectations. The car sounds amazing, handles fabulously, and turns heads everywhere it goes. I understand that you had initial misgivings about the R-Tronic, but it's great to hear that you've found it to be a personal preference. The roomy interior, fantastic seats, and carbon fibre trim inside and out (Blades too!) are all fantastic features. It's wonderful to hear that you love your car so much and wouldn't trade it for any Italian exotics. This car is truly special and it's great to hear that it's your favorite of all!
Jerod Harber 2024-07-29
This car has it all! The striking styling, elegant interior, craftsman-quality of build, and mind-blowing performance and handling are just a few of its amazing features. Even after 2000 miles, I am still discovering new things about this vehicle. Despite its breathtaking performance, it is comfortable and easy to drive on a daily basis. I have been blown away by the after-sales care from Audi USA and my dealership, which has far exceeded my expectations. It attracts unbelievable attention everywhere I go!