2008 Audi A3 Problems
Compared with other Audi A3 years
More complaints than typical for this model
82/100 2.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.1× that of a typical Audi A3 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 43 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported part: Air bags (24 complaints, median 87,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 43filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Audi A3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 2008 Audi A3. The part named most often is air bags, with 24 complaints (56% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (13) and engine cooling (2). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 25,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 477 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 55 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation and 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 8 Audi A3 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 82 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags24 56%
- Engine cooling2 4.7%
- Electrical system1 2.3%
- Fuel system1 2.3%
- Other or unknown1 2.3%
- Body and structure1 2.3%
- Suspension1 2.3%
- Tires1 2.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Hi, I have been getting emails from Audi USA about n airbag recall for my Audi A3 but everytime I call my Audi dealership in santa monica, ca they say they don't have at the store to try another dealership, I told them to call when they have it and it has been three months and they still don't have it. I bought my car there and I guess their costumer safety is not important when they have to do it for free. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11151819, filed 2018-11, 89,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2008 Audi A3 2.0t dsg (direct shift gearbox) has been having abrupt shifting and hesitation. The three main times issues occur are: 1.) moving from a stop, either in forward or reverse. With light throttle input, similar to in parking situations or slow moving stop/go traffic, the car/transmission feels like it's not engaged and then suddenly engages and lurches forward/backwards. This is when I feel the car is most likely to cause an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10344657, filed 2010-07, 25,000 milesEngine cooling: “As I was accelerating upward onto the highway ramp the vehicle stalled and jerked for about 3 seconds. It stopped for about approximately 7 more miles until I got off the highway. It occurred after the stop I made after I left the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10369403, filed 2010-12, 50,583 milesElectrical system: “The check engine light illuminated and has not been able to properly diagnose. More than one mechanic has told me the code p0171 that reads as the diagnostic does not correlate with my car as my car does not have a pcv valve. They have inspected the car to look for similar issues and have found none. Yet the check engine light remains illuminated. There was a recall reported 09/30/2009 on my type of car under campaign 09v377000 but my VIN is not showing as affected by that campaign even though the code that is coming up is a similar issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11286439, filed 2019-12, 154,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,500 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Audi A3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,300 |
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| A3 quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V082000Jan 30, 2018Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A3 2006–2013, Q5 2009–2012, A4 Cabriolet 2007–2009 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's…
- 16V079000Feb 10, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A3 2005–2013, A4 Cabriolet 2006–2009, Volkswagen Passat 2006
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure…
- 09V377000Sep 30, 2009Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Audi A3 2006–2010, TT 2008–2010
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and august 26, 2009. The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not…
Recall details for the 2008 Audi A3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE09035Vehicle stall/loss motive powerClosed · Jul 17, 2009
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 477 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10250322Feb 7, 2024Equipment. This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.
- 10248208Dec 21, 2023Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 10246152Nov 16, 2023Electrical system. This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.
- 10245285Nov 7, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.
- 10244595Oct 30, 2023Exterior lighting. This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.
- 10244517Oct 25, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
- 10244320Oct 13, 2023Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in ODIS test Plans (Ghost faults).
- 10243930Oct 4, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10242903Sep 7, 2023Engine cooling. This bulletin provides information on professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO NVH Tool.
Other model years of the Audi A3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 7 | 57,083 | 2 | — | 32 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 26,000 | 6 | — | 32 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 16 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | — | Falling |
| 2019 | 10 | 13,223 | 3 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 33 | 23,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 44 | 48,500 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 19 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 83 | 62,300 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 93 | 63,500 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 20 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 43 | 66,557 | 4 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 50,100 | 4 | — | 24 | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 50 | 48,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 47 | 72,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 43 | 25,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 82 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 52 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 123 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 6 | 2,650 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Audi A3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Audi A3 have?
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 2008 Audi A3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Audi A3 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 24 complaints (56% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 13.
Has the 2008 Audi A3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Audi A3 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Audi A3 (A3, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Audi A3 reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 25,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,500 and 83,000 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.