WAUKF78P89A0193842009 AUDI A3quattro
2009 AUDI A3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 47 owner ...
Executive Summary
2009 AUDI A3
2009 AUDI A3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 47 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 5 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
- 3 injuries reported across 47 owner complaints
- Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — VW/Audi TDI Dieselgate Emissions Defeat Device (2009–2016)
- Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: VW Dieselgate settlement offered buybacks or extended emissions warranty. Most settlement programs have closed — verify status at vwcourtsetlement.com.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- A3
- Year
- 2009
- Trim / Series
- quattro
- Body Style
- Wagon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 1.984000L 200.00 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- AUDI AG
- Assembly
- INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
5 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 5 recalls is ~72%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
AUDI completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen 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.Read full details...
~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SummaryVolkswagen 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.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen 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.Read full details...
~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SummaryVOLKSWAGEN 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SummaryVOLKSWAGEN 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.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 7.4 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
3 injuries reported across 47 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
47 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME47 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
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.
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 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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 scan was performed and codes P1814 Press. Ctrl. Valve 1 Open circuit/short implausible signal, and, P1835 Press. Ctrl. Valve 5 Short circuit to B+. This fault is random and there is no warning or indication of when it may happen making the vehicle unsafe at any speed.
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.
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 TIME. AFTER ABOUT 5/6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING DEALERSHIP TOOK A MORE IN DEPTH ATTEMPT AT FIGURING OUT WHAT PROBLEM REALLY WAS, TELLING ME THEY WERE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH AUDI & THEIR MECHANICS TO FIND AND FIX THE ACTUAL DEFECT. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR AROUND 3 MONTHS FOR THIS REPAIR, WHICH THEY DETERMINED WAS ELECTRICAL AND DECIDED TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE CAR. IN THE MEANTIME, I MOVED OUT OF STATE TO START GRADUATE SCHOOL. I FINALLY GOT IT BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER HAVING TO PAY TO SHIP IT TO ME AND FOR A RENTAL WHILE WAITING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, CAR ONCE AGAIN HAD SAME EXACT PROBLEM. TOOK TO NEW LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO ALSO DIAGNOSED ISSUE AS SENSOR(S) & 'REPAIRED' THEM. CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM EVERY FEW WEEKS, WOULD TAKE INTO DEALER FOR REPAIR, GET IT BACK, HAVE PROBLEM, TAKE TO DEALERSHIP, ETC. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS CAR OVERALL BEING DEFECTIVE, THEY'D AVOID CONTACT, NOT RETURN CALLS, HANGUP ETC. CAR EVENTUALLY TRADED IN FOR NEW MAKE WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRED.
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.
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
TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENGINE RPMS JUMP TO REDLINE WHILE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL, THEN GOES BACK INTO GEAR. HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION ALSO KICKS DOWN TO LOWEST GEAR WHEN COMING AT STOP, JERKING THE CAR WHILE BRAKING.
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.
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE DID NOT FIX BRAKES. RECALL SHOWS IF BRAKE MODULE IS BAD IT WOULD REPLACE. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND CLAIMED THE MODULE IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES THAT ARE FUNCTIONAL.
I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING NOTICES OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL REGULARLY FOR ALMOST A YEAR. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I ASKED TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. HAVING NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALER (BUT STILL RECEIVING NOTICES, THE LATEST ONE TODAY), I PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE PARTS IN MID-NOVEMBER 2018. STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
SAME ISSUE AS THE VW TIGUAN. FUSE F16 IN THE FUSE BOX IN THE ENGINE BAY. VW ISSUED A RECALL.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (GURLEY LEEP MOTORWERKS, 4004 GRAPE RD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545, (574) 254-7130) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND TO CALL BACK AT A LATER DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI GREENWICH AT (203) 930-7176 (LOCATED AT 181 WEST PUTNAM AVE, GREENWICH, CT 06830) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
WHILE IN DRIVE AND STARTING TO ACCELERATE IN A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN A GEAR WHILE MAKING A TURN. PRDNS LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND SUDDENLY WHEN IN TO NEUTRAL. IT HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES NOW WHERE I GO FROM PARKING TO REVERSE AND THEN DRIVE. ALL PRDNS START FLASHING AND CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ANY GEAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED DUE TO BLACK ICE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. AUDI FAIRFIELD (435 COMMERCE DR, FAIRFIELD, CT) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTACT IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERIM REPAIR FOR THE TAKATA RECALL FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MILD BRUISING FROM CONTACTING THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *TT NEITHER AUDI OR TAKATA ACKNOWLEDGES THE AIRBAG RECALL FIX AS BEING INADEQUATE. *TT
TAKATA RECALL WE WERE NOTIFIED BY MAIL OF THE TAKATA RECALL FOR OUR AUDI MODEL. WE HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH AUDI OAKLAND DEALERSHIP REGARDING THE RECALL. ON OUR WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING. WE GET THE CAR TOWED OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP, TO OUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT AS WELL AS HOPING TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS WITH THE CAR. THEY ALLEGEDLY CLAIM THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACING EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER PERFORMED AN OBD ON THE CAR. WITH THAT, THEY REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS WHAT OUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WAS FOR TO BEGIN WITH.
ACCORDING TO THE PUBLICATION I FOUND HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2016/RCLRPT-16V913-3524.PDF MY CAR VIN IS LISTED AS PART OF A RECALL FOR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 18 MONTHS AGO WHERE THIS EXACT PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS CUT OFF AND SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES. I HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. BOTH MY ABS AND ESC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I DID NOT THINK ABOUT ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEM UNTIL I READ ABOUT THE RECALL. NOW AUDI HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION HOW THIS WAS DETERMINED. AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN I NEED TO KNOW WHY MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS AND ESC INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TAKATA RECALL: I AM OVERSEES AND PRIOR TO SHIPMENT I INFORMED AUDI USA OF ROCHESTER MICHIGAN OF THIS INCIDENT AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ME ANY SUPPORT/ REPLACEMENT ETC. AUDI IN GERMANY ( GARMISSCH/ GRAINAU). SINCE IT IS A US SPEC VEHICLE WONT HELP ME EITHER. NOW I AM LOOKING INTO MOVING BACK TO THE USA AND NEW GUIDELINES CAME OUT IF MY VEHICLE HAS ANY RECALLS ( SEVERE) I WONT BE ABLE TO SEND IT. I NEED FOR SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THIS AND HAVE AUDI GERMANY REPLACE THE AIRBAG.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ UPDATED 05/18/2016 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE ABS AND THE ESC WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND BODY BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
TAKATA RECALL AND AUDI INFORMED ME ONE YEAR AGO BUT NO RESPONSE FROM AUDI DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT.
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY AND HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FURTHER FROM NHTSA OR AUDI. WHEN WILL THERE BE A SOLUTION TO THIS? MY WIFE RECEIVED A CALL FROM OUR AUDI DEALER YESTERDAY DURING WHICH THEY SAID THAT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE CASE. DOESN'T AUDI HAVE TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT? I HAVE NO INTEREST IN PURCHASING A NEW CAR WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT COMPENSATION FOR ITS COST.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL FOR DRIVERSIDE NO REMEDY YET!!!
WHEN IN LOW GEARS, EVERY ACTION (DECELERATION AND ACCELERATION) ARE EXTREMELY "JERKY". WHEN COMING TO A STOP AUDIBLE "CLUNK"S CAN BE HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA, AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FULLY STOP THE CAR JERKS FORWARD INTO FIRST GEAR. THE REVERSE AND DRIVE GEARS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES PARTIALLY ENGAGE, OR DO NOT FULLY ENGAGE AT ALL. ON HILLS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS THESE ISSUES AS WELL.
MY AIR BAG IS ON THE RECALL LIST!! WHY WON'T AUDI REPLACE MY AIR BAG NOW FOR FREE BEFORE IT KILLS ME OR MY HUSBAND?
THE ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED AND I'VE READ THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH ALL 2009 MODELS FROM AUDI TO VOLKSWAGEN TSI ENGINE MODELS. THE VEHICLE HAD ABS STEERING AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHIN THE CLUSTER. WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT GOING FAST IT DIDN'T CRASH INTO ANYTHING.
AUDI OF AMERICA IS SAYING THAT THE NHTSA IS SAYING THAT I SHOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HERE IS THE LANGUAGE FROM AN EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM AUDI OF AMERICA "THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) HAS ENCOURAGED CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR SERVICE AS SOON AS THEY ARE NOTIFIED THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND FURTHER INDICATED THAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES UNTIL THEN." THEY DON'T HAVE A LOANER PROGRAM AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT PROVIDING LOANERS. THEY DONT HAVE A DATE FOR REPAIR. THEY ARE SAYING THAT NHTSA IS SAYING ITS OK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLES.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
I HAVE AN AUDI A3 SPORTBACK 1.4 TFSI ATTRACTION 2009. WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS FLASHING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR MAY NOT MOVE AND THE DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATES. I APPLY THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN ON AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHILE I AM DRIVING, WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, WHEN I JUST START THE CAR. ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THAT BECAUSE I HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE I'M DRIVING IN A HIGH WAY. THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL START TO FLASHING AND THE CAR WAS LOOSING POWER, AS IT DID NOT ACCELERATE ANY MORE. I STOPPED AND TURN OFF THE CAR.THEN I START IT AGAIN. THE INDICATOR PRNDS STILL FLASHING BUT THE CAR SOMETIMES MOVES. I AM NOT SURE BUT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 7 SPEED DSG AUTOMATIC GEARBOX. WHAT CAUSING THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE A TEMPERATURE SENSOR. I WILL SELECT RANDOM STATE, ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, BECAUSE COUNTRY IS NOT LISTED THERE. MY ADDRESS IS [XXX]. ZIP CODE: 2049 MOBILE NUMBER :[XXX] EMAIL: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TAKATA RECALL. NO REPAIRS UNTIL 2017. DRIVING UNSAFE WITH DEFECTIVE AIRBAG AKA IED. UNACCEPTABLE
TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. PARTS NOT YET AVAILABLE NO INFORMATION WHEN RECALL PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. NOW DRIVING UNSAFE VEHICLE WITH NO RECOURSE.
WHILE DRIVING, ALL POWER TO THE ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY TURNS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE ON THE FREEWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, AS A COUPLE SEMIS KEPT ME FROM PULLING OFF THE ROAD BEFORE LOSING SIGNIFICANT SPEED THAT CAUSE MERGING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. UPON TRYING TO RESTART, ONE TIME THE CAR RESTARTED FINE WHILE ANOTHER IT TOOK NUMEROUS TRIES WITH A ESP FAULT ERROR RESULTING, THEN IT SUDDENLY WORKED FINE AGAIN, UNTIL IT HAPPENED ANOTHER TIME.
DRIVING INTO A SMALL LOT TO PARK. FOOT ON BRAKE AND MOVING AT AT LOW SPEED CAME TO STOP AND AUTO SUDDENLY STARTED TO SPEED AND SOUNDED LIKE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. AUTO JUMPED A SMALL CURB AND WENT INTO SOME BUSHES. IN PAST WHEN DRIVING AUTO SHIFTED TO SPORT GEAR WITHOUT WARNING AND SLOWED DOWN. DEALER CHECKED AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM SIMILAR RECALL WITH 2009 A3 BUT NOT MY VIN. *TR
CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR, TRANSMISSION FROZE UP. ALL THE GEAR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING PRND. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THE MEGATRONIC TRANSMISSION MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART NEEDED TO COME FROM EUROPE. *JS
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. MECHATRONIC CONTROLLER HAS GONE BAD. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DSG WILL NOT ENGAGE TO GO INTO REVERSE. TRANSMISSION ACTS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. WHEN PLACED IN PARK, IF AUTO IS ON AN INCLINE OF ANY SORT, THE VEHICLE WILL AND HAS ROLLED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 10 INCHES. THE CONCERN IS THAT IF THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE ON COMMAND, THE OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AN ONCOMING MASS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE FAILURE FELT AS IF THE BRAKES HAD ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT THE VEHICLE RAN WOULD DRIVE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. *TR
I HAVE AN 2009 AUDI A3 2.0T WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CARE THE TRANSMISSION STARTS EXHIBITING STRANGE BEHAVIOR. AFTER COMING TO A FULL STOP THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AFTER LETTING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. IT MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND AND THE GEAR INDICATOR GOES FROM THE GEAR NUMBER DISPLAN TO P-R-N-D INDICATOR AND THEN BACK TO THE GEAR NUMBER DISPLAY. IF YOU LEAVE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WILL REPEATEDLY JERK FORWARD. IF YOU SLOWLY ACCELERATE THE CAR IS EXTREMELY JERKY AND NOT SMOOTH LIKE IT SHOULD BE. THIS MAKES FOR DANGEROUS PARKING IN A GARAGE OR WHERE THERE ARE OBSTACLES IN THE AREA. I AM AFRAID TO PARK IT. THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERYTIME I DRIVE THE CARE FOR 20-30 MINUTES. *TR
BRAND NEW 2009 AUDI A3 WITH 200 MILES COMPLETELY FAILED IN THE HIGHWAY IN LAS VEGAS, NV. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT AROUND 60/65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION (DSG) STARTED MAKING CHUNK NOISES AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK, THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY!! NOT TO MENTION MY YOUNGEST SISTER (10 YEARS OLD) WAS WITH ME. I COULDN'T RESTART THE ENGINE AND I COULDN'T STEER AND/OR SHIFT WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BREAK. I ENDED UP IN A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY HOPED NO ONE WOULD HIT ME AND THANK GOD IT DIDN'T. I THEN QUICKLY SHIFT THE GEAR BACK TO "P" AND FORTUNATELY THE ENGINE STARTED AGAIN SO I COULD GET OUT OF THIS HELL ZONE. THIS IS TRULY UNBELIEVABLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE WITH 200 MILES. IF THIS DOES NOT PUT MY AND MY LOVE ONES IN DANGEROUS, I AM IN SERIOUS CONCERN OF THE MANUFACTURERS MOST BASIS HUMAN INTENTIONS. *TR
PROBLEM IS BLINKING HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. AT NIGHT IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED AND RESULTS IN A FLASHING EFFECT AS BRAKES ARE USED. CONSIDERED UNSAFE TO BE FLASHING LIGHTS AT NIGHT. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THEY SAY IT IS WITHIN SPEC AND ALL 2009 AUDI A3 CARS WITH HALOGEN LAMPS EXHIBIT THIS. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 47 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 2016 (13 complaints).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 85/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 7 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 4 years (2014, 2017, 2018, 2022) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage
1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 2.0T TSI engines suffer from premature timing chain wear caused by a faulty chain tensioner. The symptom is a rattling noise on cold start. VW and Audi extended coverage for the timing chain system and issued revised parts under Technical Service Action 23BE.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
- ▸Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
- ▸VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
- ▸Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
Repair Cost Intelligence
Estimated repair costs for known AUDI A3 defects — quantify your risk in dollars
TDI diesel Dieselgate
VW/EPA consent decree buyback and fix program concluded in 2019. Affected 2.0L vehicles were either bought back or received the approved emissions modification. Verify fix was applied before purchase.
Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $62,614 (~$1,044/mo). Repair risk buffer is elevated due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2009 AUDI A3 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
27% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
- ▸Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WAUKF78P89A019384. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Safer Alternatives to Consider
Based on the risk level of this 2009 AUDI A3, these Similar Vehicle Class alternatives have significantly better safety records
Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments
Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years
Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WAUKF78P89A019384 |
| Model Year | 2009 |
| Make | AUDI |
| Model | A3 |
| Trim | quattro |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Wagon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.984000 |
| Horsepower | 200.00 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AUDI AG |
| Assembly City | INGOLSTADT |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WAU |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 9 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 019384 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 5 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 47 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/13/2026, 3:19:37 AM.