2009 Audi A4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,500miles
- 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 steering of the 2009 Audi A4, 13% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving home from work, all of a sudden my vehicle was revving while it was idle and at low speed, making it very difficult and dangerous to steer the car and keep it under control. Upon inspection, it was found that the timing chain tensioner had failed and had caused serious engine damage, causing the pistons to fire prematurely. Previously the tensioner was replaced in 2014 by Audi when the car had ~50k miles and was reported as a weak tensioner . My car currently has 92k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11066633, filed 2018-02, 92,000 miles“2009 Audi A4 avant with 28000 miles on it when the steering became hard to steer at low speed. I drove it to the Audi dealer 315 miles from my home. Told that the steering shaft had seized and the part was on back order. Might take two weeks or more to repair. I was given a free rental and told that they would be in touch when repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10319243, filed 2010-03, 28,000 miles“The steering wheel was difficult to rotate because of a strong resistance to rotation. This behavior was dangerous because I could not turn the wheel in normal traffic without extreme force. The Audi dealership tested the car and replaced the intermediate steering shaft but would not pay for the replacement. A cars steering should work for the life of the car. I quote the service technician's report: 'confirmed customer complaint and found the steering was jerky and would not return to center. …”
NHTSA complaint #10700681, filed 2015-03, 40,502 miles“Every time I pull out of a parking spot, when I turn the steering wheel (not giving any gas), the steering wheel and the rest of the column shudder, vibrate and make a rumbling noise”
NHTSA complaint #10862198, filed 2016-04, 65,000 miles“I have recently purchased this card and it has a weird grinding type noise when turning at slow speeds or while parked. Steering shakes and feels like something is about break or is loose at the steering component possible linkage issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10552826, filed 2013-11, 31,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009347Sep 18, 2024This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 10250555Feb 19, 2024This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
- 10250554Feb 19, 2024This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
- 10233489Mar 23, 2023This bulletin states that squeaking noises which may be more prevalent in wet weather during steering is normal and repair is not needed.
- 10216490Jul 19, 2022This bulletin explains that the steering wheel may warm up while being held leading to the impression that he steering wheel isn't heating evenly.
- 10211721May 10, 2022This bulletin provides information regarding vibrations or movement that are felt in the wheel.
- 10163120Jul 12, 2019This technical service bulletin informs the reader that damage to the appearance of the leather steering wheel caused by outside influence is not covered under warranty.
- 10157124Jan 18, 2019This bulletin provides information regarding vibrations or movement that are felt in the wheel.
- 10128339May 25, 2017This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
- 10128296Apr 12, 2017This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 28% |
| 2013 | 10 | 42% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2009 Audi A4
44 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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