This bulletin provides information for when an unpleasant odor is coming from the heating and ventilation system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Audi A4 visibility problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
What stands out
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information for when an unpleasant odor is coming from the heating and ventilation system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Windshield is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or its surface feels rough. Residue from industrial fallout as well as normal road dirt and grime may accumulate on windshield.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Wind noise from Exterior Mirror.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Windshield is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or its surface feels rough. Residue from industrial fallout as well as normal road dirt and grime may accumulate on windshield.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The windshield wiper blades on my car are horrible. They're very flimsy and thin. They don't do a good job of cleaning up the windshield in rain, and if there is any snow or ice.. They get stuck on the bumps and miss the glass. The wiper blades are "stored" in a pit under the windshield to protect them from the snow and ice... Except the pit just fills with the ice and snow and covers them..…
OEM wipers provided by Audi on 2008.5 a4 model year onwards fill with water/slush and freeze solid in the winter rendering them useless and creating significant driving hazard. Audi has no replacement and is non-responsive. Further, there are no third-party replacement winter-style blades because it is a proprietary blade-arm connector. *tr
Had visibility trouble with your 2009 Audi A4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2009 Audi A4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 5,700 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Audi/A4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.