MotorDeets

2008 Audi A5: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Audi A5: 1 recall, 5 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
5owner complaints
0mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2008 Audi A5
Photo: Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #16V376000 · 2016 · 8,381 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags May not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags2
Brakes2
Electrical2
Exterior lights1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2008 Audi A5 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 19 A5 model years for complaints (well below the 17 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 46,300 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (11 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.2 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive182721Premium
3.2 L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162720Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Audi A5.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 Audi A5 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2008 Audi A5 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2008 Audi A5 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 Audi A5 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 Audi A5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2008 Audi A5 problems?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2), brakes (2), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Audi A5 get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 Audi A5 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other A5 years

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