Is the 2008 Audi A3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Audi A3 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Audi A3

● Typical for this model

2008 Audi A3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:34.433Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 43
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 43 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	1
2003	2
2004	6
2005	0
2006	123
2007	52
2008	43
2009	47
2010	50
2011	43
2012	43
2013	20
2015	92
2016	83
2017	44
2018	33
2019	10
2020	16
2022	9
2023	7
2024	2
2025	5
2026	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

56% · 24 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Was coming from work just had gotten on the interstate . My speed was 75 miles a hour a dear hit my car that knocked the dear around 20 feet away from the accident . It pushed the radiator into the motor and all was pushed into the front tire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-28

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 18V082000 (Air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-12

Takata recall I am still receiving notices by mail but nothing has happened yet. I contacted my local Audi dealer and they still don't have the parts to replace my airbag. How much longer can wait without putting my family's life in danger.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-15

Power train

30% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at highway speeds the transmission shifts into neutral loosing the ability to power the vehicle almost causing a multi-vehicle crash. The dealer reports that it is the s-tronic transmission control box causing the issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-26

When feathering the gas pedal through traffic, the car surges/lurches trying to find gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-08-05

I have an Audi A3 2008 with dsg transmission. I drove it on vacation from columbus Ohio to nh about a 15 hr drive. When I was in stop and go traffic the RPM's would dip as I would apply the break causing the car to nearly stall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-07-26

Engine and engine cooling

5% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

Vehicle speed control

2% · 1 report

Tires

2% · 1 report

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-11-16Fuel system, gasoline09V377000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Audi A3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between September 29, 2005 and August 26, 2009. The closing force of an…

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and Audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The safety recall began on November 16, 2009. Owners may contact…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-10Air bags16V079000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-23Air bags18V082000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 24 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V377000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V079000 · Air bags
Recall 18V082000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201833

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Audi A3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Audi A3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A3 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.