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.
The worst 2008 Audi A5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Lights1
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- 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
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.
- This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
- This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column...
- 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.
2008 Audi A5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16-18 | 27 | 20-21 |
What 2008 Audi A5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The audio entertainment system has stopped working. The audio system powers on, powers off immediately after about 5. Seconds
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.
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.
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
Compare the 2008 Audi A5
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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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