VehicleVerdict

2008 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2008 Audi A8 — 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted67 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 13 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 31 complaints2005: 11 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 67 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 46 complaints2016: 17 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Audi A8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags330%
Speed Control220%
Transmission220%
Brakes110%
Engine110%
Body & Structure110%

Does the 2008 Audi A8 have recalls?

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

16V415000Visibility & WipersJune 9, 2016 · 536 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

Consequence

If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE 2008 AUDI A8L WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLING REAR-END COLLISION WHILE STARTING TO MOVE AT A STOP SIGN. VELOCITY WAS LESS THAN 5 MPH. MINOR COLLISION WITH NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS AND NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AHEAD. THE A8L DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THE COLLISION. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP REVEALED STRESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 22, 2013 · crash

“TL. HI, THIS MORNING I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN MY 2008 AUDI A8L SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AS I WAS ENTERING A PARKING GARAGE. THANKFULLY IT APPEARS NO ONE WAS INJURED. I AM EXTREMELY DISTURBED BY THIS INCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED AUDI USA. IS THUS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 28, 2010 · crash

“I OWN A 2008 AUDI A8 WITH ABOUT 48200 MILES. IT IS GREAT VEHICLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION DURING DRIVING. UNDER LOAD IT WILL GO IN FAIL SAFE MODE AROUND 4,5,6 GEARS. IT IS CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AS CAR STARTS STOPPING SUDDENLY AND CAUSING DRIVER MOMENTARILY LOOSE CONTROL OF A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 14, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 8, 2016

“THE 2008 AUDI A8L WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLING REAR-END COLLISION WHILE STARTING TO MOVE AT A STOP SIGN. VELOCITY WAS LESS THAN 5 MPH. MINOR COLLISION WITH NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS AND NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AHEAD. THE A8L DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THE COLLISION. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP REVEALED STRESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 22, 2013 · crash

2008 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2008 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.