Vehicles / Audi / A4 / 2008

2008 Audi A4

175 federal complaints (204 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 429 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 31 model years of the Audi A4 →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
175
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
116
Engine & cooling
17
Power train
12
Lighting
11
Fuel system
11
Electrical system
9
Tires
6
Speed control
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 5 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 3 complaints5 years old: 4 complaints56 years old: 7 complaints7 years old: 6 complaints8 years old: 65 complaints9 years old: 35 complaints10 years old: 19 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 175 of 175 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 16 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 7 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 19 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 7 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 71 of 175 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

116 complaint records7 crash reports
"HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT AIRBAG.. CAR IS IN STORAGE AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN OR SOLD UNTILL RECALLED PART IS REPLACED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

17 complaint records
"Overheating in traffic replaced water pump, gasket. radiator , fan control module, thermostat, and hoses. Happens every summer!!!!! No fluid leakage. Could this be the same problem as the 2013 model recall..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

12 complaint records
"ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. HAD TO SHUT THE IGNITION OFF AND PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR AND IT WENT BACK TO NORMAL. GOOGLED THE NET AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM. *KB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
18V427000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011...Normally free
17V032000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the...Normally free
16V382000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,...Normally free
16V376000Air BagsVolkswagen 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2018342
2018-06-22
Airbag19,649On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2018059
2018-01-30
Airbag26,340On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag.
2017026
2017-01-13
Airbag18,064On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2016266
2016-05-27
Airbag59On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2016065
2016-02-09
Airbag15,039On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A9124632044694_3
Feb 2024
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.
A912306202432310
Dec 2023
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.
A9023562032113_8
Nov 2023
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.
A0023812070568_2
Nov 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.
A9423672071954_1
Oct 2023
Exterior LightingThis bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A7423262071893_1
Oct 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
A0023762071721_1
Oct 2023
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in ODIS test Plans (Ghost faults).
A0023742052680_4
Oct 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
A0023712070568_1
Sep 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information on professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO NVH Tool.
A9123262071264_1
Aug 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information for when the customer has concerns about the navigation route guidance.
A102326201828810
Jun 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information on checking for debris when replacing an engine.
A0023702021205_7
May 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides instructions for ordering replacement Safety Certification labels or VIN plates.
A912394201818713
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information for when the customer advises that there is cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference.
DC_AudiRingsV12
Apr 2023
EquipmentInside the Rings | Volume 12, Spring 2023
A4623432069904_1
Apr 2023
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad thickness is OK.
A9023222032113_7
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis information bulletin contains a background on the outside air temperature reading.
A192336202530314
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information on the discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
TRMDMV_MA_Audi
Mar 2023
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,907 Audi owners in the State of Massachusetts on March 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_CO_Audi
Feb 2023
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,174 Audi owners in the State of Colorado on February 13, 2023.
DC_Rings_VOL10
Feb 2023
EquipmentTakata recall and 3G turndown
A012341201475312
Feb 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
DC_Alternator_6
Jan 2023
EquipmentSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_4
Jan 2023
EquipmentSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_5
Jan 2023
EquipmentSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_3
Jan 2023
EquipmentSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
A4623402069078_1
Jan 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin contains instructions for when the zirconium inserts found to be not firmly attached during service work.
DC_Alternator_2
Jan 2023
EquipmentSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator
Dec 2022
Electrical SystemSupport for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_RECALLS
Dec 2022
EquipmentSAFETY RECALLS, COMPLIANCE RECALLS and STOP SALES
A572200202203210
Dec 2022
Latches/Locks/LinkagesThis technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting information for the vehicle locking system.
A1922332061604_5
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin contains instructions for resolving a coolant leak.
TRMDMV_NY_Audi
Oct 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the New York DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 5,165 Audi owners in the State of New York on October 17, 2022.
TRMDPS_SC_Audi
Sep 2022
Unknown Or OtherIn conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,121 Audi owners in the state of South Carolina on September 19, 2022.
A462234203418122
Aug 2022
Service BrakesThis technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for brake noise.
A9122192067783_1
Aug 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information about obtaining a radio code using ODIS.
TRMDMV_PR_Audi
Jul 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 565 Audi owners in the State of Puerto Rico on July 25, 2022.
TRMDMV_VA_Audi
Jul 2022
EquipmentIn conjunction with the Virginia DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,026 Audi owners in the State of Virginia on July 21, 2022.
A4822342065978_2
Jul 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin explains that the steering wheel may warm up while being held leading to the impression that he steering wheel isn't heating evenly.
TRMDMV_GA_Audi
Jun 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,616 Audi owners in the State of Georgia on June 22, 2022.
SM 48-2022
Jun 2022
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
A4522262067132_1
May 2022
EquipmentThis informational bulletin contains instructions for when the message "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual" is displayed in the instrument cluster without DTCs.
A442292202256321
May 2022
SteeringThis bulletin provides information regarding vibrations or movement that are felt in the wheel.
TRMDMV_CA_Audi
May 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 12,349 Audi owners in the State of California on April 29, 2022.
AWA 22-04
Apr 2022
Air BagsThis Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT...
A9022572032113_6
Apr 2022
EquipmentThis is an informational bulletin containing information about the outside temperature reading.
DC_20220329
Mar 2022
EquipmentDealer Communication: Vehicle Sales Reporting, Reinstatement, and Audit Policy
TRMALEA_AL_Audi
Mar 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 939 Audi owners in the State of Alabama on March 23, 2022.
A1722172060750_3
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks.
A9122752024323_9
Feb 2022
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains technical information regarding when the parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles that don't exist or it is inoperative/constant warning.
A462226202258411
Jan 2022
Service BrakesThis informational bulletin provides diagnostic information for brake conditions.
A192228202530313
Jan 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin contains instructions for identifying and mixing factory fill coolants.
TRMDPSSC_Audi
Jan 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,290 Audi owners in the state of South Carolina on January 24, 2022.
TRMDOTPA_Audi
Jan 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,943 Audi owners in the state of Pennsylvania on January 24, 2022.
A192227202530312
Jan 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin contains instructions for identifying and mixing factory fill coolants.
A4021312024318_1
Dec 2021
WheelsThis technical service bulletin provides instructions for correcting a clicking sound from the wheel bearing(s).
A002155201173212
Dec 2021
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
DC 20210928
Sep 2021
EquipmentDealer Communication - Vehicle Sales Reporting, Reinstatement, and Audit Policy Update - Effective September 30, 2021
A9121342018187_1
Sep 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin contains inspection guidelines for radio interference that causes noises in the speaker.
TRMDMVID_Audi
Aug 2021
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Idaho DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 688 Audi owners in the State of Idaho on August 30, 2021.
A0021482021205_6
Jun 2021
StructureThis informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.

Showing 60 of 429 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Audi A4 →