DecodedCars2008 Audi A5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Couope AWD
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,300 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Audi A5 is a subcompact car offered with a 3.2L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,300 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 0% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Couope AWD | 182.7 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,300 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A5 quattro | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| A5 quattro | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 27 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Audi A5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi A5 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · May 27, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V376000 · 8,381 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen 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.
- Risk
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
Not every 2008 Audi A5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Audi A5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Audi A5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A5 | 26 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 A5 | 29 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2024 A5 | 30 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2023 A5 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2022 A5 | 29 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2021 A5 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2020 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 60 |
| 2019 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2018 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 38 |
| 2017 A5 | 26 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 A5 | 26 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →