NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2009 Audi A3. Most complaints involve air bags (23) and power train (15). The EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 VIN number is in your system but my car is not showing up it shows up but it's not showing up as a recall or included in the class action settlement if you have any questions please call me [XXX] at [XXX] if you have any input thank you. I do love my Audi I love it very much the day I got to drive it and the only day I got to drive it I was very happy I thought with it until I get it fixed I will not be happy again”
“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.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. BELL AUDI (782 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 388-2800) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED; HOWEVER, A SYSTEM ISSUE OCCURRED WITH THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,300 | 370 |
| A3 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,300 | 370 |
| A3 quattro Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,300 | 370 |
| A3 quattro Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (23), power train (15), service brakes (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Audi A3 at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).