The check engine light illuminated and has not been able to properly diagnose. More than one mechanic has told me the code p0171 that reads as the diagnostic does not correlate with my car as my car does not have a pcv valve. They have inspected the car to look for similar issues and have found none. Yet the check engine light remains illuminated. There was a recall reported 09/30/2009 on my type of car under campaign 09v377000 but my VIN is not showing as affected by that campaign even though the code that is coming up is a similar issue. I am extremely concerned about the safety of driving my car now. I can't not repair what I can not diagnose. I believe that I am affected by the recall.
The worst 2008 Audi A3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags24
- Transmission13
- Engine2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Audi A3
Recalls 3
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑078.
Recall number 18V082000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.
Recall number 16V079000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and august 26, 2009. The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners and audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The safety recall began on november 16, 2009. Owners may contact audi at 1‑800‑253‑2834.
Recall number 09V377000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Audi A3 477
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.
- This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.
- This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.
- This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.
- This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or...
- This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
- This bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in...
- This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- This bulletin provides information on professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO NVH Tool.
2008 Audi A3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-22 | 29 | 24-25 |
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
What 2008 Audi A3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Takata recall I received notice in january of 2019 that my vehicle was having a second recall on the takata airbags. I immediately attempted to have the repair done at my local dealership; I could not get through. I then contacted audi corporate, who said they left the local dealershiop messages on my behalf; again no response. After calling multiple other dealerships in my state, one a little over an hour from me actually replied to my messages. It took until june to get this recall completed. Neither audi USA nor it's local dealers seem to care about performing a safety recall in a timely manner.
Excessive rear subframe corrosion that isn't being covered by a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. The safety issue stems from; a, a proper alignment isn't possible, b the rear subframe is responsible for maintaining the rear geometry of the vehicle, wheels, brakes and suspension.
Hi, I have been getting emails from audi USA about n airbag recall for my audi a3 but everytime I call my audi dealership in santa monica, ca they say they don't have at the store to try another dealership, I told them to call when they have it and it has been three months and they still don't have it. I bought my car there and I guess their costumer safety is not important when they have to do it for free. Please help.
I keep getting recall notices, month after month, for about 6 months. I had the interim repair done, and have called now at least three times and they keep telling me the part is not available yet. Now I get a notice that says to repair immediately even if an interim repair was recently done. How do I get this done? I keep calling and they keep telling me there is no parts available yet. My son is driving this car now in springfield, il and I am worried about his safety.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 audi a3. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to audi roanoke (located at 2006 peters creek rd, roanoke, va 24017, (540) 562-0099), but the part was not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall I am still receiving notices by mail but nothing has happened yet. I contacted my local audi dealer and they still don't have the parts to replace my airbag. How much longer can wait without putting my family's life in danger. Thank you
"takata recall" on march 18, 2017, I went in to audi calabasas and spoke with scott gomez, service advisor, and the manager on duty that day, to inquire on having my driver side airbag replace in response to the manufacturer safety recall issued. His response was to try back later. He said he did not expect for any bags to be available for months. He did not seem concerned. I said I was afraid of the danger of it going off in a minor fender bender and he said there were no reports of audi vehicles experiencing such mal-functions. I asked if he was not concerned about the liability should one such accident occur involving the recalled airbag. His response was chilling. He said it would not be audi's fault. It would be the manufacturer of the airbag's liability.
Takata airbag- I have been given a replacement airbag that is exactly the airbag that has problems. My first letter was feb. 2016 and the problem is still not fully resolved at this time aug.24, 2017. I want a new airbag that will save my life, not take it asap!
Takata recall dear sir / madam, I would like to inquire about why it is taking over 4 months to have the new parts delivered to my local audi dealer in san francisco ca. The recall 16v079 seems pretty serious as people have been killed by this defect. I have called audi customer service multiple times and they are unable to provide any updates or date. This is simply unacceptable. Please let me know if you can assist or what I can do to accelerate this process. Thank you.
Compare the 2008 Audi A3
Other model years
2001200320042006200720082009201020112012201320152016201720182019202020222023202420252026
Questions about the 2008 Audi A3
Is the 2008 Audi A3 reliable?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2008 Audi A3, close to a typical A3 model year.
What is the 2008 Audi A3 year score?
The 2008 Audi A3 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi A3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Audi A3?
Airbags, with 24 complaints, typically around 89,000 miles. Next is transmission (13).
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A3 have?
3 recalls, covering air bags and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Audi A3 get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Audi A3 range from 21 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-22 city and 29 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Audi A3?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history