2008 Audi A5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2008 Audi A5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other A5 years?

A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Audi A5 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Airbags	2	25%	new
Brakes	2	25%	new
Electrical System	2	25%	new
Lighting	1	13%	new
Other	1	13%	new

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V376000AirbagsMay 27, 2016 · 8,381 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Consequence

If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DEFECTS WERE ALL CAUSED BY A FAULTY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DEFECTS WERE ALL CAUSED BY A FAULTY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DEFECTS WERE ALL CAUSED BY A FAULTY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2013

“MAIN BEAM/LEFT DIPPED HEADLIGHT WARNING CAME ON. SECOND TIME DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE READ THAT AUDIS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT. HAVING BULB REPLACED IS COSTING 360.00 AT THE AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 28, 2013

“THE AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE AUDIO SYSTEM POWERS ON, POWERS OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER ABOUT 5. SECONDS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 24, 2018

2008 Audi A5 — common questions

Is the 2008 Audi A5 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Audi A5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among A5 years belongs to 2017.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2008 compare to other A5 years?

What are the most common 2008 Audi A5 problems?

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Audi A5 — common questions

Is the 2008 Audi A5 reliable?

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have recalls?

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

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