2008 Audi A5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Audi A5 has a Good verdict with a complaint index of 6, the lowest among all A5 years listed, though NHTSA has only 5 complaints on file for this year. One airbag control unit recall applies. Its Good rating is capped due to incomplete complaint records for 2005-2009 model years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 6/100
- #17 of 18 A5 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Audi A5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (60%)
- Airbags2 (40%)
- Brakes2 (40%)
- Other1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the main beam or left dipped headlight warning light coming on repeatedly, with one owner replacing a bulb only to see the issue return.
- One owner reported the driver's side air bag sensor and parking brake warning light illuminating together with a failed horn, traced to a faulty steering wheel spring column.
- An owner described the Takata-related airbag control unit recall as having no remedy available months after the recall notice, complicating a vehicle trade-in.
- One owner reported water intrusion into the trunk compartment through a seal and drainage defect, pooling near electronic control modules mounted in the spare tire well and causing failures in the audio and entertainment system.
2008 Audi A5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V376000May 27, 2016Airbags8,381 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Audi A5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other A5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Audi A5 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 A5 a complaint index of 6, the best (lowest) among all A5 model years, with only 5 complaints on file. Its verdict is Good, though capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 A5 years are less complete.
- Does the 2008 Audi A5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 16V376000) covers 2008-2009 A5 vehicles where the air bag control unit can corrode and fail. Dealers replace the unit free of charge.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 Audi A5?
- Electrical System issues account for 60% of complaints (3 of 5), including headlight warning lights and water intrusion affecting electronic modules.
- How does the 2008 A5 compare to other A5 years?
- The 2008 A5 ranks 17th out of 18 years from worst to best, meaning it has fewer reported problems than nearly every other A5 model year, including Avoid-rated years like 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2020.