Is the 2008 Audi A4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A4?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A4 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Audi A4

◆ Worse than typical

2008 Audi A4
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:38.006Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 175
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 175 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	1
1996	89
1997	98
1998	258
1999	190
2000	96
2001	131
2002	181
2003	210
2004	189
2005	219
2006	295
2007	196
2008	175
2009	120
2010	64
2011	11
2012	19
2013	24
2014	32
2015	19
2016	11
2017	57
2018	45
2019	10
2020	128
2021	11
2022	6
2023	10
2024	2
2025	1

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

66% · 116 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Audi A4. The contact received an unknown recall notice related to the air bags. The contact scheduled an appointment at a dealer and had the recall serviced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-20

Takata recall- my Audi is at the dealership and they have not fixed the airbags that are defective and will kill.Takata recall dealer failed to do the recall. It's been a months now.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-23

Also filed under Electrical system

I accidentally drove over the rumble strip on the side of the highway. The right rear tire blew and the car flipped over six times and changed direction. Every side air bag inflated excepted for my side, the driver's side air bag.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-03

Engine

7% · 13 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Bought this car from a guy add said car runs great has smog, reg ,ac works great (not )my boyfriend before I could say anything gave guy money and I signed the bill of sale I said should test drive it so drove to my mechanic in vista ca and he said...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-20

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Power train

7% · 12 reports

Exterior lighting

6% · 11 reports

Electrical system

5% · 9 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2008Complaint volume 175 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-10-31Air bags16V376000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-28Air bags16V382000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-30Air bags17V032000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-29Air bags18V427000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 116 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 13 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V376000 · Air bags
Recall 16V382000 · Air bags
Recall 17V032000 · Air bags
Recall 18V427000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Audi A4 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A4?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A4 have?: 4 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.