2008 Audi A5: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Audi A5 has 5 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag *b9/b9.5 generation (2017-2024):.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

5
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
2
service brakes
2
air bags
2
exterior lighting
1

Recalls affecting the 2008 A5

air bags

Campaign 16V376000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the B9/B9.5 generation (approximately 2017-2024 models), feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Owners praise these models for being "rock solid," offering a superb driving experience ("drives like it's on rails"),

  • *B9/B9.5 Generation (2017-2024):
  • High maintenance and repair costs out of warranty. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Known issues with the 2.0T engine (e.g., water pump failure). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Dual-clutch (S tronic) transmission problems, including clutch replacement at low mileage. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor dealership service experiences (careless work, denying responsibility). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the A5.

Typical used price

Used A5 listings typically run $17,438–$49,560 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other A5 model years