2008 Audi A6
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 51 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 113 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 66 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2005 | 91 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 114 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
69% of complaints: air bags — 49 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260808
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180726
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250124
10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
MULTIPLE ISSUES ON THIS CAR THAT ALL CAME ON ABOUT THE SAME TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130123
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DRIVING CAR ON CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY IN NYC IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY, THE CAR SHUT DOWN AT VERY LOW SPEED. I CALLED AUDI DEALER AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIR. PARTS WERE ORDERED FROM AUDI - PROBLEMS WITH CENTRAL COMPUTER - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080414
2008 AUDI A6 WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AT SPEEDS UP TO 65 MPH. HE STATES THAT THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. *KB
NHTSA ODI report, 20080326
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Campaign 07V334000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V382000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V032000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V427000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V334000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V382000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V032000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V427000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Audi A6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Audi A6 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A6?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi A6 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.