- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Audi A6 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the 2008 Audi A6 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (49) and the electrical system (7). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2018 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2007 has 0 and the 2009 has 21.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A6 year, for its age
#145 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Audi A6 problems
Share of all 71 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Audi A6 recalls 4
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
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
- The problem
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the automatic rear lid includes an electric motor and clutch that work in conjunction with two gas struts to open and close the rear lid, including a manual close function. If one of the struts has a total loss of pressure, the resultant slow movement of the rear lid is interpreted by the software as an intended manual close and the motor clutch releases to close the rear lid immediately.
- The risk
- This can result in an unintended rapid closing of the rear lid with a risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will install new software free of charge. The recall began on september 14, 2007. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
What owners say
Be the first A6 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
71 complaints about the 2008 Audi A6
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
On August 3, 2026, a 2008 Audi A6 was traveling on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia when the driver encountered a large tree branch in the roadway and swerved to avoid it. The vehicle struck a curb, became airborne, rolled, and went down an embankment before coming to rest. The driver was wearing a seat belt. The driver's frontal airbag in the steering wheel deployed, but none of the side or curtain airbags deployed during the crash. Given the severity and multiple-impact sequence of the accident, I am...
Read the full complaint
reporting the non-deployment so NHTSA can evaluate whether the side and curtain airbag systems operated as designed. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. It remains intact and available for inspection, and we have requested that it be preserved.The vehicle has been in the same family since it was purchased new in 2008, with two owners within the family. It had never been involved in an accident before this crash, and to our knowledge there had been no previous airbag deployments or repairs to the airbag or restraint systems. There were no airbag warning lights, messages, or other indications of a problem before the crash.Police responded to the accident, and the vehicle has been inspected by the insurance company. It has not yet been inspected by Audi or an independent engineer specifically regarding the side and curtain airbag non-deployment. I understand a rollover alone does not necessarily require these airbags to deploy. My concern is that the driver's frontal airbag deployed during a serious, multiple-impact crash while the side and curtain airbags did not, and I would like the non-deployment evaluated while the vehicle remains available for inspection. NHTSA previously conducted a Special Crash Investigation involving side-airbag non-deployment in another 2008 Audi A6 (NHTSA Publication 813261). NHTSA determined that vehicle's airbags operated as intended. I am referencing it because it involved the same model year
The contact owns a 2008 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
TCM is defective will not allow car to shift into gear causing car to stop in traffic with no warnings
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v427000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi fairfield (435 commerce dr, fairfield, ct 06825, (203)-951-6570) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Audi periodically sends out a provocative safety warning to 'schedule your repair immediately' stating that (my) 'safety and satisfaction are their top priorities'. When I call a dealer, I'm told that I already have the (temporary and only) fix (as takata went bankrupt). Please encourage corp audi to get their story strait. The only fact I know for certain is that neither I or anyone one I know will ever buy another audi.
Takata recall I have contacted the audi dealer and audi usa several times to get a repair scheduled without any success. This has now been going on for more than 2 years. Every time I get the same story. We have not received any parts, one time they told me the repair had just been revoked and that they were waiting new information. I feel very unsafe with the situation.
2008 Audi a6 quattro. Consumer writes in regard to dealership failing to replace faulty components in a timely manner; airbag safety recall no. 69R7. *As *js
Takata recall - airbag replaced per recall but airbag light remains lit due to faulty seatbelt in rear center passenger seat. Faulty seat belt needs to be put under recall as this seems to be a common issue in the audi.
I was involved in a passenger side impact accident where the passenger side curtain did not deploy. The impacting vehicle was traveling above 35mph when it struck. There were no skid marks nor any attempt to slow the vehicle before impact. Both vehicles were totaled in the collision. All passengers in both vehicles (1 driver/ 1 passenger) were transported to the hospital for injuries. The vehicle is currently located at iaai in baltimore. Https://www.Iaai.Com​/vehicle?Itemid=2884​8576&rownumber=16&lo​adrecent=true
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v427000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Paul miller audi (179 us-46, parsippany, nj 07054, (973) 575-7750) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v032000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (international mercedes-benz milwaukee, 2400 s 108th st, milwaukee, wi 53227, (866) 455-8708) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy and that there was a preposition recall. The...
Read the full complaint
manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v382000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time. The dealer (audi columbus, 341 n hamilton road, columbus, ohio 43213) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Headlight flickering and turns off with dipped light warning. Rear lights warnings of bulbs out random times. Shutting lights off and on resolves issue with headlights.
Takata recall I have been waiting over a year for the airbag fix on my car. This amount of time is extremely concerning given this is a life/safety fix. How much longer will this take?
" Takata recall " in december 2016 I purchased a used low mile 2008 audi a6 from boise volkswagen-audi in boise idaho. It has the takata airbag recall on it. I believe audi new about the recall before I purchased the car. The dealer has not fixed it because they don`t have the parts. Their solution is don`t let anyone ride in the front seat! Really? I have two teenage kids and two elderly parents I take care of. I can`t own a car that I cannot use or should I have too. The recall says the metal parts of the air bag...
Read the full complaint
can come apart and can cause fatal injury, so that puts everyone in the car in danger, not just the passenger! I think audi should buy my car back or give me a loaner car until they are able to fix the safety issue. I am super unhappy with this and afraid to even drive the car, but I have to because its my only source of transportation. What can be done?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v032000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (audi milwaukee, 10606 w arthur ave, milwaukee, wi 53227) and was informed that there was nothing to worry about. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall. Airbag has been identified as defective product with the potential to cause fatal bodily harm in the event the product deploys. Since 2016, multiple audi dealerships have not provided a solution regarding this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v032000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (prestige audi, 9201 w colifax ave, lakewood, co 80215) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall. I visited the audi dealers several times over the last year and they said they are unable to replace the airbags as they don't have any parts in stock and were unable to give me a timeline for completion
Takata recall related - a nhtsa recall number has been issued - 17v032 and a manufacturer recall number has been issued - 69p6 nearly 11 months ago but no remedy has been provided.
Takata airbags I have contacted the dealer (larson audi in tacoma, wa) and the audi headquarters in the us. Audi is unconcerned that I have an unsafe car as verified by takata on their website airbagrecall,com. The only thing I am able to do is not drive the car. What do I need to do to get it repaired? This has been going on since last january.
Takata recall, nhtsa: 17v032, I received a letter from audi in march 2017 informing me of the recall. I contacted my local audi dealer every month since trying to schedule the takata airbag repair. After over six months audi is still not able to schedule or complete the repair. This is unacceptable since it is such an important safety concern. There does not seem to be any way to move forward and audi does not provide any information about when the repair will be available. I believe this is taking much too long to...
Read the full complaint
complete. Any help in the matter would be appreciated. Thank you. Best, [[redacted]] 'information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Takata airbag recall I received notice in march about this recall and it's now almost october and I have note received any information about a repair. I am extremely concerned about this life threatening problem and am unsure what else I can do. There is zero information about when a fix will be available for my car and audi has not offered any type of alternative transportation until the car can be fixed.
2008 Audi a6. Consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair frontal airbag inflator recall notice. *Ld the consumer stated the recall repair would take two separate occasions to be fully completed. The consumer stated this was unacceptable due to the nearest dealer being 3.5 Hours away. The consumer requested alternative options. Updated 09/11/2017*js
Takata recall - for over a year, the audi dealership from which I bought my car in chicago has said on 3 different occasions - the last approximately 4 months ago - they don't have the replacement for it yet. However, I just read on your site that the interim repair is replacement with a new takata insulflator, which seems like it would be available. My car is 9 years old and I also read on your website that the risk of detonation increases with age. My car should be a priority.
Audi A6: every year compared
All A6 years2008 Audi A6 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi A6 | 71 | 4 | D | |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 836 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 691 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 432 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Lincoln MKZ | 281 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 228 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 191 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Volvo S60 | 10 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2008 BMW 330I | 0 | 3 | B | 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 A6
Does the 2008 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Audi A6: inflator module (June 2018); inflator module (January 2017); inflator module (June 2016); trunk lid (August 2007). 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 A6?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (49), electrical system (7), lights (6).
How many complaints has the 2008 Audi A6 had?
71 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 26, 2008 and the latest on August 8, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Audi A6 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 29 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A6 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 A6 years have the most complaints?
1999 (217), 2000 (148), 1998 (130). See every Audi A6 year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Audi A6 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