2008 Audi A3: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (55% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. I am extremely concerned about the safety of driving my car now. I can't not repair what I can not diagnose. I believe that I am affected by the recall.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2019
“Excessive rear subframe corrosion that isn't being covered by a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. The safety issue stems from; a, a proper alignment isn't possible, b the rear subframe is responsible for maintaining the rear geometry of the vehicle, wheels, brakes and suspension.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2019
“Takata recall I received notice in january of 2019 that my vehicle was having a second recall on the takata airbags. I immediately attempted to have the repair done at my local dealership; I could not get through. I then contacted audi corporate, who said they left the local dealershiop messages on my behalf; again no response. After calling multiple other dealerships in my state, one a little over an hour from me actually replied to my messages. It took until june to get this recall completed. Neither audi usa nor it's local dealers seem to care about performing a safety recall in a timely manner.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“I keep getting recall notices, month after month, for about 6 months. I had the interim repair done, and have called now at least three times and they keep telling me the part is not available yet. Now I get a notice that says to repair immediately even if an interim repair was recently done. How do I get this done? I keep calling and they keep telling me there is no parts available yet. My son is driving this car now in springfield, il and I am worried about his safety.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2018
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2018
“Takata recall I am still receiving notices by mail but nothing has happened yet. I contacted my local audi dealer and they still don't have the parts to replace my airbag. How much longer can wait without putting my family's life in danger. Thank you”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 audi a3. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to audi roanoke (located at 2006 peters creek rd, roanoke, va 24017, (540) 562-0099), but the part was not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
“"takata recall" recall I received if from february 2016 (over 1 year!!!) and I still do not even have an information when it is planned to be fixed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
“Takata recall dear sir / madam, I would like to inquire about why it is taking over 4 months to have the new parts delivered to my local audi dealer in san francisco ca. The recall 16v079 seems pretty serious as people have been killed by this defect. I have called audi customer service multiple times and they are unable to provide any updates or date. This is simply unacceptable. Please let me know if you can assist or what I can do to accelerate this process. Thank you.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
“Takata recall - audi and takata has not provided me with an option to either repair my car or buy back my car. My wife is pregnant and this is our only vehicle and to have audi say "drive carefully and wait" is unacceptable.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.
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 frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
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 may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact A3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Audi A3 reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Audi A3. The most complained-about area is air bags (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Audi A3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 25,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Audi A3 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.