2008 Audi A8 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
scored
Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a reliable rate.
- Owner complaints
- 13
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 43.7
- 2,745 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 5
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2008 Audi A8?
We do not score the 2008 Audi A8. Too few were made for a reliable rate, so we show the facts only.
The 2007 A8, from the same generation, scored 81 and rated Excellent. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
The most reported problem is the sunroof or shade, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (3 of 13 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and unintended acceleration. 5 of the 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart3 complaints
- Transmission: reduced power or limp mode2 complaints
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)2 complaints
What Owners Report
We read all 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi A8, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (23%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. All 3 describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Transmission: reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (15%)
Reduced power or limp mode. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (15%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (5)
Show the 5 problems reported once
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Engine sensors or computer failure
- Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
- Electrical system (unspecified)
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
How the 2008 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years
The other A8 years of the 2nd generation (D3), 2004 to 2010, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Good | 74 | 0.83× | 29.5 | 1 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2010 | Not scored | – | – | 15.4 | 1 | – |
| 2009 | Not scored | – | – | 34.4 | 1 | Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2008 This year | Not scored | – | – | 43.7 | 1 | Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2007 | Excellent | 81 | 0.40× | 13.7 | 2 | Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2006 | Excellent | 81 | 0.43× | 11.1 | 2 | Floor mat retention: sticking or stiffness |
| 2005 | Good | 79 | 0.51× | 11.2 | 1 | – |
| 2004 | Good | 74 | 0.82× | 26.1 | 1 | Unintended acceleration (cause not stated) |
| 2003 | Not scored | – | – | 21.2 | 1 | – |
2008 Audi A8 Recalls
One recall covers the 2008 Audi A8. It was issued in June 2016: “Sunroof Glass May Detach from Vehicle.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Sunroof Glass May Detach from Vehicle
If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V415000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 9, 2016. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2008 A8, from its recall and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Sunroof Glass May Detach from Vehicle NHTSA 16V415000
On the Test Drive
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Sunroof or shade
- Transmission
- Unintended acceleration
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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