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2008 Audi A5 recalls and problems

The 2008 Audi A5 has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Audi A5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Audi A5 recalls

Recall 16V-376: Air Bags

Reported May 27, 2016 · 8,381 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.

2008 Audi A5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags2
Service Brakes2
Electrical System2
Exterior Lighting1
Unknown or Other1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Audi A5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Apr 15, 2026
2008 Audi A5 3.2L S-Line Coupe experiencing severe water intrusion into trunk compartment causing progressive failure of multiple electronic modules. Water enters through a known design defect in the trunk seal and drainage pathway, pooling in the spare tire well where critical electronic control modules are mounted. Affected systems: (1) Complete audio and entertainment system failure due to amplifier module destroyed by water damage. (2) Electronic parking brake malfunction with brake failing to engage and disengage reliably, creating serious rollaway risk on inclines. (3) General electrical…
Unknown or Other · at 100,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2018
The audio entertainment system has stopped working. The audio system powers on, powers off immediately after about 5. Seconds
Air Bags · reported Oct 22, 2016
Takata recall on may 23, 2016, my audi a5 was recalled. Safety risk was claimed to be "if the airbag control unit fails, safety systems such as seat belt pretensioners and airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury." 6 months later, the recall is "incomplete. Remedy not yet available" I AM trying to trade in my vehicle, but the dealer says the lack of recall fix will negatively impact the value of the vehicle.
Air Bags · at 35,000 miles · reported Feb 12, 2014
The contact owns a 2008 audi a5. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag sensor and the parking brake warning light was illuminated. In addition, the horn had failed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the defects were all caused by a faulty steering wheel spring column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 46,300 miles · reported Oct 4, 2013
Main beam/left dipped headlight warning came on. Second time dealing with this problem and have read that audis are notorious for the same issue but nothing has been done to correct it. Having bulb replaced is costing 360.00 at the audi service department. Something must be done to rectify this problem. A factory recall should be ordered. Thank you

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Audi A5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Audi A5: 16V-376 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Audi A5?

Owners report air bags problems most often (2 reports), followed by service brakes (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,300 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.