This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 1999-2012 A4 Avant, 2003-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 A5 Coupe, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 1999-2021A6, 1999-2011A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 1999-2021 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2021 e-tron quattro, 2015-2021 Q3, 2009-2021 Q5, 2007-2021 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4, 2004-2009 S4 Cabr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Audi A8 airbags problems
severe 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 3 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Audi A8, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Brake-related vibration and pulsation has several causes that depend on driving style and resulting brake disc temperature, as well as environmental conditions. Both the intensity of the wear of the brake system and the type of wear depend on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The wear of the brake discs is determined by the frequency and intensity of the brake operations. Dirt build-up, exposure to sand, long standing times, and road salt or similar, can also promote wear as well as cause scoring marks on the brake discs. The driving style of the driver also influences the wear of the brake system. An overly-aggressive driving style, which results in frequent sharp braking, can lead t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle lowers itself, air suspension warning light on, level sensor error (PR-2MB or 1BK)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A POTENTIAL FOR COUNTERFEIT AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED, OR INSTALLED, AT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND HAVE NOT BEEN CERTIFIED BY DEALERSHIPS OR AUDI. MODELS 2006-2009 A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On October 10, 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a press release regarding the potential for some vehicles to be at risk for containing counterfeit airbags if the airbags in the vehicle were replaced at independent repair shops that are not Audi dealerships or Audi certified. The Audi vehicles listed by NHTSA as at risk vehicles for the potential of containing counterfeit airbags if the airbags have been replaced are MY 2006-2009 A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. If a Customer purchased their vehicle new, or if the vehicle is Certified pre-owned and a CARFAX report shows the airbag has never been replaced, there is no issue.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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?
Takata recall - I just received work online through credit karma that my car has a recall on it dating back towards 2016. I financed this car in 2015. The car has been fine, for the most part aside from small electrical issues.. However my biggest complaint says this recall is because the airbags are prone to exploding causing metal shrapnel to fly and cause heavy damage and possibly death to the…
The 2008 Audi a8l was involved in a rolling rear-end collision while starting to move at a stop sign. Velocity was less than 5 MPH. Minor collision with no deployment of airbags and no damage to the car ahead. The a8l drove normally after the collision. Inspection at the body shop revealed stress fracture and bending of the frame. Car was declared a total loss. It is unacceptable that a full size…
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Audi A8?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Audi A8?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 77,559 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Audi/A8.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.