- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Audi A5 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2008 Audi A5 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (2) and the brakes (2). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 2016 for the air bags. For comparison, the 2009 has 11.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical A5 year, for its age
#289 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Audi A5 problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Audi A5 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2008 Audi A5
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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...
Read the full complaint
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 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 *tr
Audi A5: every year compared
All A5 years2008 Audi A5 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi A5 | 5 | 1 | A | |
| 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet | 191 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 191 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A6 Avant | 71 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 71 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A3 | 43 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 33 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A8 | 8 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Audi R8 | 5 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2008 Audi A5
Does the 2008 Audi A5 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Audi A5: air bags (May 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A5?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (2), brakes (2), electrical system (2).
How many complaints has the 2008 Audi A5 had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 4, 2013 and the latest on April 15, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Audi A5 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 86 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Audi A5 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A5 years have the most complaints?
2020 (60), 2013 (38), 2010 (34). See every Audi A5 year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Audi A5 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data