2009 Audi A3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 32%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Audi A3, 32% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11300553, filed 2020-01, 100,120 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10281829, filed 2009-08, 295 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11091266, filed 2018-05, 85,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11244641, filed 2019-08, 61,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10919152, filed 2016-10, 139,000 milesRelated recalls
- 09V333000Aug 20, 2009Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a…Covers: Audi A3 2009–2010, Volkswagen Jetta 2009–2010, GTI 2009–2010 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11007305Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007224Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 10177406Jul 13, 2020This informational bulletin states to not replace parts for the beveling groove as it is normal.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2022 | 2 | 22% |
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% |
| 2017 | 6 | 14% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 11 | 22% |
| 2009 | 15 | 32% |
| 2008 | 13 | 30% |
| 2007 | 16 | 31% |
| 2006 | 37 | 30% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2009 Audi A3
22 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Audi A3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology