Model year

2008 Audi A8

Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Sep 29, 2010 to Dec 9, 2019.

Recall campaigns covering this model year1536 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints8Below the median 2008 sedan
Severity index25.02008 sedans average 8.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2008 Audi A8 peaked in 2016, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.522010201220142016220182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

38% of complaints about the 2008 Audi A8 name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
3
Powertrain
2
Speed control
2
Engine and cooling
1
Brakes
1
Structure
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2008 Audi A8

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2008 Audi A8
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
16V-415Jun 9, 2016Sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frameVisibility and wipers536Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2008 Audi A8

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

8 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Dec 9, 2019Failure Nov 13, 2019119,000 milesAntioch, CAEngine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A8. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI PITTSBURGH (2050 LIBERTY AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222, (412) 245-4200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASSIVE AIR FLOW SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH AN ABNORMAL VACUUM NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11287905
  2. Filed Jun 4, 2018Failure Jun 4, 2018100,000 milesCrestline, CAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL - I JUST RECEIVED WORK ONLINE THROUGH CREDIT KARMA THAT MY CAR HAS A RECALL ON IT DATING BACK TOWARDS 2016. I FINANCED THIS CAR IN 2015. THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE, FOR THE MOST PART ASIDE FROM SMALL ELECTRICAL ISSUES.. HOWEVER MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT SAYS THIS RECALL IS BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS ARE PRONE TO EXPLODING CAUSING METAL SHRAPNEL TO FLY AND CAUSE HEAVY DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY DEATH TO THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR. IN SOME CASES IT SEEMS THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEAT RUINING THE PARTS THE CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO WORK.

    NHTSA complaint 11099573
  3. Filed Dec 31, 2017Failure Dec 14, 201747,799 milesHoffman Estates, ILPower train

    I OWN A 2008 AUDI A8 WITH ABOUT 48200 MILES. IT IS GREAT VEHICLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION DURING DRIVING. UNDER LOAD IT WILL GO IN FAIL SAFE MODE AROUND 4,5,6 GEARS. IT IS CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AS CAR STARTS STOPPING SUDDENLY AND CAUSING DRIVER MOMENTARILY LOOSE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE. THIS IISSUE WAS BROUGHT UP TO A AUDI BUT THEY SAID IT IS PAST WARRANTY. BY DOING AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE IS ONE SINGLE TEFLON SEAL CONTROLLING FLUID PRESSURE FOR A CLUTCH E.THAT SEAL WEARS OUT PREMATURELY CAUSING FLUID TO LOOSE PRESSURE AND FAILING SAFE TRANSMISSION. IN ORDER TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET ONE. INFORMATION ABOUT IT WAS OBTAINED FROM ZF TRANSMISSION SERVICE BULLETIN AND IS AVAILABLE ONLINE. ZF MANUFACTURING KNOWS ABOUT THIS AND REBUILDING THIS TRANSMISSION. WHEN FLUID PRESSURE IS LOST IT CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAIL SAFE IN ORDER TO PREVENT COMPLETELY BEING DAMAGED. ALL FAIL SAID OCCURS WHEN VEHICLES SHOW BEING DRIVEN. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD. THE ATTACHED PICTURES ARE SCREENSHOTS FROM SCANNING TRANSMISSION ERRORS. ALSO, THERE IS A COPY OF ZF TECHNICAL BULLETIN MANUAL DESCRIBING CAUSE OF A CLUTCH E.IT SEEMS TO BE DESIGNING FLOW WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. THANK YOU

    NHTSA complaint 11057729
  4. Filed Oct 27, 2017Failure Oct 27, 2017Natick, MAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS RECALLED IN JANUARY, 2017. TEN MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO REPLACEMENT PART OR SOLUTION AND WAS INSTEUCTED NOT TO HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT. HOW LONG AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT?

    NHTSA complaint 11040627
  5. Filed Dec 10, 2016Failure Oct 20, 2016Hoffman Estates, ILPower train

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

    NHTSA complaint 10934464
  6. Filed Sep 9, 2016Failure Sep 8, 2016Rochester, MNService brakes, Vehicle speed control

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10905010
  7. Filed May 25, 2013Failure Mar 22, 201355,118 milesMableton, GAAir bags, BodyCrash

    THE 2008 AUDI A8L WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLING REAR-END COLLISION WHILE STARTING TO MOVE AT A STOP SIGN. VELOCITY WAS LESS THAN 5 MPH. MINOR COLLISION WITH NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS AND NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AHEAD. THE A8L DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THE COLLISION. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP REVEALED STRESS FRACTURE AND BENDING OF THE FRAME. CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT A FULL SIZE PREMIUM SEDAN SHOULD SUFFER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRAME AT A LOW SPEED COLLISION. A HIGH SPEED COLLISION WOULD HAVE PROVIDED NO PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE. MULTIPLE CONTACTS MADE WITH AUDI USA VIA UPS LETTER, EMAIL, TELEPHONE, TWITTER AND FACEBOOK. AUDI USA REFUSES TO PROVIDE ANY CRASH TEST DATA ON THE A8 WHICH IS VERY CONCERNING. I REQUEST THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE IF THIS CAR IS SAFE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10513552
  8. Filed Sep 29, 2010Failure Sep 28, 201036,200 milesCranford, NJVehicle speed controlCrash

    TL. HI, THIS MORNING I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN MY 2008 AUDI A8L SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AS I WAS ENTERING A PARKING GARAGE. THANKFULLY IT APPEARS NO ONE WAS INJURED. I AM EXTREMELY DISTURBED BY THIS INCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED AUDI USA. IS THUS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO. I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE AND I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD ESCALATE THIS ISSUE SOMEWHERE ELSE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING IT AGAIN AFTER IT IS REPAIRED. I ALWAYS LIKED THE CAR AND IF I DON'T DRIVE IT AGAIN I COULD NOT IN GOOD CONSCIOUS SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW ANYTHING THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION. THANKS BOB (CONTACT WANTED THIS COMPLAINTED COPY AND PASTED INTO THE COMPLAINT FORM)

    NHTSA complaint 10358339
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

382 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • A5724422025031_3 May 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the exterior trunk handle is inoperative.
  • A5724422025031_3 May 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the exterior trunk handle is inoperative.
  • 461335201713011 Apr 2, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brakes squeel
  • 44134620103345 Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • 44134420225638 Nov 21, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
  • 44134220225637 Feb 18, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
  • 44133520225635 Jan 18, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
  • 43132320187659 Sep 16, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Self-leveling compressor inoperative
  • 43131720336661 May 8, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle lowers itself, air suspension warning light on, level sensor error (PR-2MB or 1BK)
  • 40133420181945 Sep 23, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shock absorber leaks: assessment aid
  • 40122720243183 Nov 8, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Clicking noise from wheel bearing
  • 44144920225639 Apr 17, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration, and/or oscillation
  • 441450202256310 May 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration, and/or oscillation
  • 48145920172667 Jun 2, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Electric steering column adjustment is inoperative
  • 46148620225845 Jul 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brake pulsation diagnostic guidelines
  • 40144120181946 Jul 2, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shock absorber leaks: assessment aid
  • 48146220172668 Sep 23, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Electric steering column adjustment is inoperative
  • 44145520103346 Oct 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • 48146320282204 Oct 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel leather damage, all vehicles
  • 441456202256311 Dec 8, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration, and/or oscillation
  • 4313172033666 May 8, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle lowers itself, air suspension warning light on, level sensor error (PR-2MB or 1BK)
  • 4313142018765 Apr 11, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Self-leveling compressor inoperative
  • 4014412018194 Jul 2, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shock absorber leaks: assessment aid
  • 4013342018194 Sep 23, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shock absorber leaks: assessment aid
  • 4012272024318 Nov 8, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Clicking noise from wheel bearing
  • 4413362022563 Feb 18, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
  • 4312112018765 Oct 29, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Self-leveling compressor inoperative
  • 4012262024318 Sep 26, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Clicking noise from wheel bearing
  • 1712322018550 Aug 30, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA)
  • 0112552030192 Oct 22, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine may have reduced performance without significant loss of power or stalling
  • A9124632044694_3 Feb 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.
  • Edition80 Apr 7, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Elsa newsletter
  • Update91i8 May 13, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
  • AUD4927ENG Jul 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
  • A912306202432310 Dec 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.
  • A9023562032113_8 Nov 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.
  • A0023812070568_2 Nov 7, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.
  • A9423672071954_1 Oct 30, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.
  • A7423262071893_1 Oct 25, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
  • A0023762071721_1 Oct 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in ODIS test Plans (Ghost faults).
  • A0023742052680_4 Oct 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
  • Chart Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Oil Capacity Chart
  • Edition46 Jul 29, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition45 Jul 22, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition42 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition53 Sep 16, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition58 Oct 21, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition63 Nov 25, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition102 Sep 8, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition106 Oct 6, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • A0023712070568_1 Sep 7, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO NVH Tool.
  • SM562013 Jun 6, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Seat Belt
  • A9123262071264_1 Aug 23, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for when the customer has concerns about the navigation route guidance.
  • A102326201828810 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on checking for debris when replacing an engine.
  • A0023702021205_7 May 12, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides instructions for ordering replacement Safety Certification labels or VIN plates.
  • A912394201818713 May 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for when the customer advises that there is cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference.
  • A4623432069904_1 Apr 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad thickness is OK.
  • A9023222032113_7 Apr 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This information bulletin contains a background on the outside air temperature reading.
  • A192336202530314 Mar 31, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
  • A012341201475312 Feb 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.