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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-AUDI-S4NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Audi
2008 Audi S4 problems
The 2008 Audi S4 has 2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 4 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2008 Audi S4 has 4 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 33,000 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 4 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 2 active recalls on file.
2
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 S4?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 S4· steering
My vehicle has intermittent problems with the power steering failure. The steering wheel goes from practically frozen to being loose without warning. This can cause driving off the road, into traffic, crash, etc. Dealership, delta Audi, grand rapids, mi, cannot replicate and…
Takata recall. Have received latest notice (nhsta 17v032) indicating that my vehicle needs interim remedy as soon as possible. Have called dealership (Audi burlington ma) 3-4 times to have repair scheduled over last 2 months. Was on the repair schedule for today at 10:15 am but…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Audi s4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v382000 (air bags) and 16v079000 (air bags). The parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable…
Had a problem with your 2008 Audi S4?
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An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Audi S4 reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 4 owner complaints have been filed for the 2008 Audi S4, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2008 Audi S4?
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2008 Audi S4 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Audi S4?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2008 Audi S4 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2008 Audi S4 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 4 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Audi S4?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,000 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 33,000 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi S4 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 S4?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 4 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Audi/S4.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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