2008 Audi A8: common problems and reliability

· 2002-2010

One of the weaker A8 years.

8 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2008 A8?

The 2008 Audi A8 has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train. Owners most often flag air suspension collapse and strut leaks.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

8
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it

Is 2008 a good year for the A8?

Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 8 complaints, the 2008 A8 sits about the same as the model's median of 8.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
3
power train
2
vehicle speed control
2
engine
1
service brakes
1

Recalls affecting the 2008 A8

visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

Campaign 16V415000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

What owners report on the 2002-2010 A8

Owners describe the 2002-2010 A8 as a superb driving and luxury experience that is undermined by high running costs and aging component failures.

  • Very frequentAir suspension collapse and strut leaks
  • Very frequentElectrical issues including battery drain, module failures, and sensor problems
  • RecurrentTiming chain service required at rear of engine on 2007+ models, requiring engine removal
  • RecurrentTiming belt service due at 60-70k miles on 2005-2006 models
  • RecurrentControl arm and bushing wear

Owner insights for the 2002-2010 A8. Read the full 2002-2010 owner report.

Other A8 model years

Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.

Compare the A8 against its rivals

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