2009 Audi A4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi AWD, 4dr Sedan 3.2 Fsi AWD, Avant 2.0 Tfsi 4dr AWD Wagon, Cabriolet 2dr Conv AWD 3.2
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.1L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 200–211 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 179.9–185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,594–4,211 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2009 subcompact car (21.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 211 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2009 models.
- Many owner complaints101 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 5 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Audi A4 is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl and 3.1L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,594 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 16% better than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
- New body dimensions: 4.3 in longer, wheelbase +6.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.2L 6-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 A4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Karmann - Rheine, Germany · Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 A4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi AWD | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,594 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan 3.2 Fsi AWD | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,748 lb | 55/45 |
| Avant 2.0 Tfsi 4dr AWD Wagon | 185 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 110.6 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,748 lb | |
| Cabriolet 2dr Conv AWD 3.2 | 179.9 in | 70.1 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 4,079 lb | 59/41 |
| Cabriolet 2dr Conv AWD S4 | 179.9 in | 70.1 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 4,211 lb | 59/41 |
| Cabriolet 2dr Conv FWD 2.0t | 179.9 in | 70.1 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,759 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 Cabriolet | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +16% | $3,300 | 355 |
| A4 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +13% | $3,300 | 355 |
| A4 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +13% | $3,300 | 355 |
| A4 Cabriolet quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +6% | $3,550 | 386 |
| A4 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| A4 Avant quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $3,550 | 386 |
| A4 quattro | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| A4 Cabriolet quattro | 3.1L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -7% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Audi A4 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Audi A4 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (6)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 22, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V427000 · 237,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V082000 · 162,782 vehicles
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V004000 · 10,166 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Audi A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles, ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet vehicles, and 2009-2011 Audi A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Audi mailed an interim owner notification March 02, 2018. When parts to perform the recall repair become available, Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69U1. Note: This recall has been superseded by 18V427.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 11, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V032000 · 33,421 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · May 27, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V376000 · 8,381 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
- Risk
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V079000 · 151,767 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2009 Audi A4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Audi A4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 51 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Audi A4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A4 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 A4 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 A4 | 28 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2022 A4 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2021 A4 | 28 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 13 |
| 2020 A4 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 158 |
| 2019 A4 | 30 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 13 |
| 2018 A4 | 31 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 54 |
| 2017 A4 | 31 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 87 |
| 2016 A4 | 27 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2015 A4 | 26 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 43 |
| 2014 A4 | 26 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 70 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →