Model year guide

2008 Audi A8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Audi A8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 24 on record.

2008 Audi A8 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Audi A8 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints8
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$16,927

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Audi A8 recalls 1

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly NHTSA Campaign #16V415000 · 09/06/2016

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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Audi A8 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2008 Audi A8 MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2008 Audi A8 worth?

Low
$13,300
Typical price
$16,927
High
$20,750

From 24 comparable 2008 Audi A8 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Audi A8 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$14,650
Total$37,400
Per mile$0.50

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($16,927) with the same model 4 model-years older ($5,207), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Audi A8 trims & engines on record

Trims
L quattro · quattro
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl 350 hp

2008 Audi A8 vehicles on record

Other Audi A8 model years

2008 Audi A8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Audi A8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Audi A8. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A8?

Across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Audi A8 get?

The 2008 Audi A8 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2008 Audi A8 worth?

Comparable 2008 Audi A8 listings run roughly $13,300–$20,750, typically around $16,927 (from 24 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.