repaired · 2019 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 71 owner complaints about the 2008 Audi A6, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-032 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Audi A6 has problems
71 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
49Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
7Electrical system
6Exterior lighting
3Power train
3Engine and engine cooling
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Engine
2Seat belts
2Service brakes
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 49 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Audi A6 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Body: trunk lid
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN UNINTENDED RAPID CLOSING OF THE REAR LID WITH A RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other A6 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A6 median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Audi A6 safety ratings
2008 Audi A6 w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What A6 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On August 3, 2026, a 2008 Audi A6 was traveling on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia when the driver encountered a large tree branch in the roadway and swerved to avoid it. The vehicle struck a curb, became airborne, rolled, and went down an embankment before coming to rest. The driver was…
The contact owns a 2008 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI FAIRFIELD (435 COMMERCE DR, FAIRFIELD, CT 06825, [PHONE])…
Own a 2008 A6?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.