2009 Audi A5

Introduction: The 2009 Audi A5 is a stylish and sporty coupe that offers a balance of performance, luxury, and technology. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 3.2L V6 with 265 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 4.2L V8 with 354 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The A5 received praise for its sharp handling, comfortable interior, and impressive features, but some owners have reported various issues.

Engine

3.2L V6 with 6-speed Manual Transmission

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to jump time and potentially lead to engine damage.
  • Symptoms: Engine rattling or knocking noise, reduced engine power, engine misfires
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L V6 with 6-speed Automatic Transmission

• Valve Stem Seal Wear: The valve stem seals can wear out prematurely, leading to excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Symptoms: High oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace the valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4.2L V8 with 6-speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Ring Wear: The synchronizer rings can wear out prematurely, causing difficulty shifting gears.
  • Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears, difficulty getting into gear
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizer rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

6-speed Automatic Transmission

• Mechatronic Unit Failure: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission, can fail and cause the transmission to shift erratically or not at all.
  • Symptoms: Rough shifting, delayed shifting, transmission slipping
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushings Wear: The front control arm bushings can wear out prematurely, causing a clunking or rattling noise when going over bumps.
  • Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace the front control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery can drain excessively when the vehicle is parked, potentially leaving the owner stranded.
  • Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, vehicle won’t start
  • Solution: Identify and fix the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty module, parasitic draw).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Failure: The ECU can fail, causing various electrical problems.
  • Symptoms: Engine won’t start, electrical systems not working
  • Solution: Replace the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Leak: The sunroof can develop a leak, allowing water to enter the vehicle’s interior.
  • Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin through the sunroof
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seal or adjust the sunroof alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation System Malfunction: The navigation system can malfunction, causing it to freeze or display incorrect information.
  • Symptoms: Navigation system not working, freezing, incorrect navigation
  • Solution: Update the software or replace the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2009 Audi A5 is generally a reliable vehicle, but it has been known to experience certain issues, including engine timing chain problems, valve stem seal wear, transmission mechatronic unit failure, and electrical issues. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some can be significant. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues before purchasing an A5 and consider having the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a decision.