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2008 Audi A5 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Audi A5 is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical A5 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
486
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2008 Audi A5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    1

Recalls 1

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported May 27, 2016 · 8,381 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 16V376000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Audi A5

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Audi A5 486

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 486 bulletins for the 2008 Audi A5

2008 Audi A5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD16-182720-21

What 2008 Audi A5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

2008 Audi A5 3.2L S-Line Coupe experiencing severe water intrusion into trunk compartment causing progressive failure of multiple electronic modules. Water enters through a known design defect in the trunk seal and drainage pathway, pooling in the spare tire well where critical electronic control modules are mounted. Affected systems: (1) Complete audio and entertainment system failure due to amplifier module destroyed by water damage. (2) Electronic parking brake malfunction with brake failing to engage and disengage reliably, creating serious rollaway risk on inclines. (3) General electrical instability with intermittent warning lights and system malfunctions. (4) Severe parasitic battery drain with vehicle battery draining overnight due to water-damaged modules drawing constant current. This is a well-documented design flaw across the entire B8 A5 and S5 platform from 2008 to 2013. The manufacturer engineered a protective cover part for later production models, confirming awareness of the water intrusion defect, but never issued a recall or retrofit for earlier vehicles. Hundreds of owners have reported identical failures on major Audi enthusiast forums. The electronic parking brake failure is a serious safety hazard as the vehicle may roll uncontrolled on grades when parked.

Filed Jun 24, 2018 · 100,000 miles · GA

The audio entertainment system has stopped working. The audio system powers on, powers off immediately after about 5. Seconds

Filed Oct 22, 2016 · Airbags · NY

Takata recall on may 23, 2016, my audi a5 was recalled. Safety risk was claimed to be "if the airbag control unit fails, safety systems such as seat belt pretensioners and airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury." 6 months later, the recall is "incomplete. Remedy not yet available" I am trying to trade in my vehicle, but the dealer says the lack of recall fix will negatively impact the value of the vehicle.

Filed Feb 12, 2014 · Airbags, Brakes · 35,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 audi a5. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag sensor and the parking brake warning light was illuminated. In addition, the horn had failed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the defects were all caused by a faulty steering wheel spring column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2013 · Lights · 46,300 miles · CA

Main beam/left dipped headlight warning came on. Second time dealing with this problem and have read that audis are notorious for the same issue but nothing has been done to correct it. Having bulb replaced is costing 360.00 at the audi service department. Something must be done to rectify this problem. A factory recall should be ordered. Thank you

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Questions about the 2008 Audi A5

Is the 2008 Audi A5 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2008 Audi A5, fewer than a typical A5 model year.

What is the 2008 Audi A5 year score?

The 2008 Audi A5 scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi A5: 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 A5?

Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A5 have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Audi A5 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Audi A5 range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16-18 city and 27 highway.

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