NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2009 Audi A8. Most complaints involve visibility (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2009 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof glass frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 133,878.”
“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”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 12 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (1), electrical system (1), latches/locks/linkages (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Audi A8 at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).