Model year record

2009 Audi A3 recalls & problems

The 2009 Audi A3 has 5 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (22 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints47filed by owners

Crashes · fires5 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 30, 2018

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 18V082000162,782 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Electronic stability control (esc)Dec 20, 2016

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 16V913000135,683 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Air bagsFeb 10, 2016

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 16V079000151,767 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Fuel system, gasolineSep 30, 2009

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 09V37700010,200 vehicles

Problem: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTERNAL SPRING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS NOT ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.

Power trainAug 20, 2009

Automatic transmission

Recall 09V33300016,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
Risk: THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2009 Audi A3 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

A3

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

A3

24mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

A3 quattro

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

A3 quattro

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bags	22	2	2	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission	15	2	1	61,500 mi
Service brakes	8	2	1	93,500 mi
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel	5	0	0	34,000 mi
Engine	5	1	0	95,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)Control module	4	0	0	70,000 mi
Exterior lighting	2	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine	1	0	1	—
StructureBody	1	1	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	1	1	—
Unknown or other	1	1	0	—
Service brakes, airAntilock › Abs warning light	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control and ABS control module warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Aug 1, 2022 · 67,000 miles
Power trainCrash
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
Sep 3, 2022
Air bags
I had purchased the car back in August 17th 2021 my power steering my brakes my airbag light and the fuel system fuel leak started happening all at once water was draining out of the middle of the engine . It overheating the engine speed ball down and I automatically I instantly pulled over and turned it off and towed it home 2 days after I bought it. these are also recalls my Audi 2009-a3 2.0 tfsi s tronic has been sitting in my friends driveway for 7 months now because I cannot take the car anywhere I cannot move the car anywhere I cannot start the car and I don't know what else to do so I do need your help I should be eligible it says my VIN number matches the eligible subject vehicle my…
Aug 19, 2021
Power train
DSG transmission will abruptly shift down to first gear and would not respond in any other gear. The shift indicator in the dashboard will light up and blink and the check engine light will come on. There are no warnings before this happens and it will happen at random times. It has happen in separate occasions while traveling at different speeds. When this happens while traveling it creates a dramatic reduction on vehicle speed almost causing the vehicle traveling behind me to rear end me. Once stopped the car will only engage when put on D and will stay at a low gear causing the RPMs to red line even at low speeds making it unsafe to drive due to only being able to reach 5 to 10 MPH. A…
Oct 22, 2021
Power train
THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DSG MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED BY THE CONNECTOR SUPPLIER DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO OPEN AND CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO PERCEIVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES. IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Sep 1, 2020
Electrical system
PURCHASED CAR IN 2010 WITH AROUND 10,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, VEHICLE WOULD HAVE A NOTICEABLE DECREASE IN POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE OVER ABOUT 40MPH. SOMETIMES AFTER SHUTTING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUDI DEALERSHIP CAR PURCHASED FROM FOR REPAIR AND INITIALLY REPORTED AS SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPAIRED. COUPLE WEEKS AFTER REPAIR CAR WOULD HAVE SAME PROBLEM, SO TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN REPAIRED SENSOR(S). WITHIN ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASING, ISSUE HAPPENED MULTIPLE (+/-5) TIMES AFTER DEALERSHIP 'REPAIRED' WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM AT THE PARTICULAR…
Jan 8, 2012 · 10,000 miles
Power train
DRIVING 30 MINUTES INTO THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DECIDED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN "D" DRIVE AND IN MOTION. THE "PRNDS" STARTED FLASHING ON MY DASH, WHILE NOT LETTING ME ACCELERATE GOING 65MPH. I HAD TO QUICKLY SLOWDOWN, AND PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE GONE INTO "LIMP MODE". AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT BACK ON, IT DROVE JUST FINE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE MORE 2 DAYS AGO. SEEMS LIKE IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, HOWEVER DEALER CANT DETERMINE THE FAULT WITHOUT A CODE. SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW.
Jan 18, 2020 · 100,120 miles
Engine
AUDI / VW HAD A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON THIS CARS TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. MINE BROKE AT 95000 MILES. SO I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER AUDI OWNERS THAT DON'T EVEN KNOW THIS HAPPENED. THIS IS COSTING ME OVER 1000$. AND SHOULD OF BEEN A FULL RECALL, NOT THIS OTHER BS. IT IS LEAVING US HIGH AND DRY. I HOPE YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. THANKS
Aug 20, 2019 · 95,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Diesel Fuel Injector Line LeakageClosedLed to recall 11V490000
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance…
PE11023 · opened Aug 2, 2011 · closed Dec 2, 2011
VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWERClosedLed to recall 09V333000
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH FEATURE A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX WITH TWO WET RUNNING CLUTCHES (DUAL CLUTCH) IN WHICH THE CLUTCH MECHANISM AND GEAR CHANGES ARE ELECTROHYDRAULICALLY OPERATED BY A MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT.THE DSG MECHATRONIC CONTROLLER INCLUDES EXTENSIVE SELF DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AND STRATEGIES TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND PREVENT SYSTEM/COMPONENT DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF COMPONENT FAILURES OR HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS.THE BASIC HIERARCHY OF FAULT MODES INCLUDES SOME THAT ONLY RESULT IN THE STORAGE OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) AND CAUSE NO LOSS OF FUNCTION, SOME THAT STORE A DTC AND REDUCE VEHICLE OPERATION TO A LIMP HOME MODE, AND SOME THAT STORE A DTC AND CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF MOTIVE POWER (I.E., OPEN CLUTCH).THE DRIVER IS ALERTED TO THE LATTER TWO MODES BY THE DASH GEAR POSITION INDICATOR (PRNDS)…
PE09035 · opened Jul 17, 2009 · closed Nov 19, 2009