Audi A8 problems
0 safety recalls. 8 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I OWN A 2008 AUDI A8 WITH ABOUT 48200 MILES. IT IS GREAT VEHICLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION DURING DRIVING. UNDER LOAD IT WILL GO IN FAIL SAFE MODE AROUND 4,5,6 GEARS. IT IS CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AS CAR STARTS STOPPING SUDDENLY AND CAUSING DRIVER MOMENTARILY…
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE DURING DRIVING AROUND 4,5,6 GEARS WHEN GOING AROUND 70+ MPH AND RELEASE GAS PEDAL AND APPLYING GAS AGAIN IN ORDER TO PASS VEHICLE. CAR GOES INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, NEEDS TO BE PULLED OVER TO RESTART AND RESET TRANSMISSION. CAR WAS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A8. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI PITTSBURGH (2050 LIBERTY AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222, (412) 245-4200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASSIVE AIR FLOW SENSORS FAILED…
TAKATA RECALL. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS RECALLED IN JANUARY, 2017. TEN MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO REPLACEMENT PART OR SOLUTION AND WAS INSTEUCTED NOT TO HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT. HOW LONG AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT?
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Audi A8 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 9.0 out of 10 based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Audi A8 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Audi A8?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi A8 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Audi A8?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 8 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.