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.

2008 Audi A6

● Typical for this model

2008 Audi A6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:22.053Z

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: 71
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 71 complaints

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	26
2021	18
2022	2
2023	2
2024	3
2025	5
2026	6

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

69% · 49 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2026-08-08

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, 2018-07-26

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, 2025-01-24

Electrical system

10% · 7 reports

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, 2013-01-23

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, 2008-04-14

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-26

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Exterior lighting

8% · 6 reports

Power train

4% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Engine and engine cooling

4% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2007-09-14Structure07V334000 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…

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.

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 A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 49 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 07V334000 · Structure
Recall 16V382000 · Air bags
Recall 17V032000 · Air bags
Recall 18V427000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.