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2009 Audi A8 L 4.2

All Audi A8 D3 trims (2004–2010) → All Audi A8 generations →
2009 Audi A8 – front Unverified
Photo: Audi A8 quattro (D3, 2. Facelift) – Frontansicht, 30. April 2011, Düsseldorf by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the D3 (D3, 2004–2010); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Audi A8 quattro (D3, 2. Facelift) – Frontansicht, 30. April 2011, Düsseldorf by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: AUDI A8L D3 (Typ 4E) China by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: AudiA8BangAndOlufsenTweeterLens by Lklundin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Audi A8 quattro (D3, 2. Facelift) – Heckansicht, 30. April 2011, Düsseldorf by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro tiptronic Interieur by Thomas doerfer, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2009 Audi A8 L 4.2 is a 4.2-liter V8 with a 6-speed tiptronic automatic and all-wheel drive. It is rated at 18 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type4.2L V8
Displacement4.2 L
Drivetrain
Drive Typequattro all-wheel drive
Differential Typequattro all-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed Tiptronic automatic
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Dimensions & Weight
Cargo Volume15 ft³

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2009 Audi A8 4-DR. w/SAB).

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A8. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 9, 2016 · VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

NHTSA campaign 16V415000

5 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A8

Owner Complaints

5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Audi A8 (1 mention a crash). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Visibility1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 25, 2025 · Visibility
“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…”
Jun 5, 2021 · Electrical System, Latches/Locks/Linkages
“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…”
Apr 10, 2014 · Exterior Lighting
“MULTIPLE COMPONENT FAILURES RELATIVE TO TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. BOTH TRUNK MOUNTED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACE IN 12/11 UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. SEALED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT WATER…”
Dec 11, 2009 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) Crash
“CAR HANDLING SYSTEM WENT OUT OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND STEERING CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE SENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN OFF THE ROAD. *TR”
Aug 19, 2009 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A8. WHEN HE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON THE ENGINE BEGAN VIBRATING AND WHENEVER THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR AND THEN…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2009 AUDI A8. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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