2008 Audi A5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 11th of 16 A5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 8
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 22.2
- 3,151 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.66×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 2
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2008 Audi A5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Audi A5 is 77 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 11th of the 16 A5 years we score.
The most reported problem is the screen and audio, mostly works on and off (2 of 8 complaints). 2 of the 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the airbags. For comparison, the 2009 scores 85.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-16-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 77
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 1 Audi warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- Screen and audio: works on and off2 complaints
How the 2008 A5 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.60× | −13 |
| Everyday problems | 0.81× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.54× | −4 |
| Score | 77 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2008 A5. If it were exactly average, its 3,151 cars would draw about 0.2 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi A5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 8.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (25%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Reported Once (8)
Show the 8 problems reported once
- Airbag warning light
- Battery drain: draining the battery
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Headlights: warning lights
- Manual transmission or clutch: early wear
- Steering wheel spring column failure
- Parking brake: works on and off
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
How the 2008 Audi A5 Compares With Other Years
The other A5 years of the 1st generation, 2008 to 2017, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Good | 75 | 0.56× | 13.9 | 8 | Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking |
| 2017 | Not scored | – | – | 6.2 | 3 | – |
| 2016 | Excellent | 86 | 0.27× | 6.8 | 3 | Loss of power (cause not stated) |
| 2015 | Excellent | 88 | 0.21× | 7.6 | 3 | Brakes: vibration or shudder |
| 2014 | Good | 76 | 0.51× | 17.8 | 3 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2013 | Good | 73 | 0.70× | 24.4 | 3 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2012 | Excellent | 82 | 0.39× | 13.1 | 3 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2011 | Excellent | 80 | 0.44× | 17.0 | 3 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 | Good | 73 | 0.87× | 32.1 | 2 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2009 | Excellent | 85 | 0.33× | 12.5 | 1 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2008 This year | Good | 77 | 0.66× | 22.2 | 1 | Screen and audio: works on and off |
2008 Audi A5 Recalls
One recall covers the 2008 Audi A5. It was issued in May 2016: “Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion
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.
NHTSA 16V376000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 27, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 50% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2008 Audi A5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has one warranty extension for the 2008 Audi A5, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-05
Corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
- The problem:
- A power supply part in the airbag control module can corrode and fail. The airbag light comes on, and airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer checks for free whether the corrosion caused the airbag light. If it did, the dealer repairs it for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2010 Audis with a Continental airbag control module. The airbag light must come on and stay on within the term, and the dealer must confirm the corrosion.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2008 A5, from its recall, an Audi warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion NHTSA 16V376000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-16-05: corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
On the Test Drive
- Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Screen and audio
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next