2008 Audi A5 Problems & Complaints

Better than average75% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A5 at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2008 Audi A5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 75% fewer than a typical A5 model year at the same age, making the 2008 one of the better A5 years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

5complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2008 Audi A5 problems

  • Air bags~35,000 miles
    240%
  • Brakes~35,000 miles
    240%
  • Electrical system~35,000 miles
    240%
  • Lights~46,000 miles
    120%
  • Other / not specified~100,000 miles
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A5 complaints by model year

’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’2551134252235288738126087888
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A5. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A5 years: 2017, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →

2008 Audi A5 recalls (1)

Air bags

NHTSA recall 16V-376 · May 27, 2016 · 8,381 vehicles

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.

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.

2008 Audi A5 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.2L 6-cyl6-speed automatic4WD/AWD18 / 27 / 21
3.2L 6-cyl6-speed manual4WD/AWD16 / 27 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Audi A5 a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 A5 rates better than average: 75% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Audi A5?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and electrical system (2).

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A5 have?

There is 1 recall for the 2008 Audi A5, the most recent from May 27, 2016 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Audi A5?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Audi A5 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2008 Audi A5 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.