2008 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 75, ranking 6th worst among 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners most often reported issues with airbags and engine problems, and NHTSA lists one recall for a sunroof glass defect.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags3 (38%)
- Engine3 (38%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (25%)
- Brakes1 (13%)
- Structure & Body1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners describe sudden loss of vehicle control, in one case leading to a low-speed crash while entering a parking garage.
- A rear-end collision at low speed reportedly caused a stress fracture and bending of the frame, leading the car to be declared a total loss.
- Owners report the brake pedal failing to respond after the vehicle hesitated to accelerate, though the dealer could not duplicate the issue.
- Multiple owners mention the Takata airbag recall, with long waits for replacement parts and instructions not to seat passengers up front.
- The transmission has been reported to enter fail-safe mode under load while shifting through the higher gears, causing the car to stop suddenly.
- Owners describe the check engine light coming on due to failed mass air flow sensors, with the problem recurring after repair.
2008 Audi A8 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V415000Jun 9, 2016Visibility & Wipers536 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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 A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Audi A8 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 A8 has a complaint index of 75, the 6th worst of 21 model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other A8 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A8?
- NHTSA complaint data shows airbags and engine problems each make up 38% of complaints, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 25%.
- Does the 2008 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 16V415000) for sunroof glass that may not be properly secured to the frame; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What mileage do 2008 Audi A8 problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across reported complaints is 55,118 miles, though individual problem areas like airbags and engine show median mileages near 77,559 and 77,600 miles.
- How does the 2008 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- Its complaint index of 75 is worse than 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010, but better than 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019, which also carry Avoid verdicts.