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Research · Two Seaters

2008 Audi R8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2008 Audi R8. Most complaints involve suspension (4) and structure (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$5,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Audi R8 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2016 – Aug 2019
  1. Suspension4
  2. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each R8 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20085
20096
20181
20201
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

4 reports
“I HAD SHOCK FAILURE RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY (VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION), LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS MATTER WAS DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE OF AUDI'S LEAKING MAGNETIC SHOCKS THAT HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR 2008-2010 MODELS WITH A "MAGNETIC RIDE SUSPENSION" AS PER MASTER AUDI SERVICE TECHNICIANS. PLEASE SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE: 2008 AUDI R8 = HTTP://GOO.GL/A1OIUN 2009 AUDI R8 = HTTP://GOO.GL/3P75JI ACTION CSC-10036971-4658 = HTTP://GOO.GL/Y5HLCG ACTION CSC-10036488-9645 = HTTP://GOO.GL/14VAW3 THE MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCKS WILL PREMATURELY LEAK OIL WHICH LEADS TO SUSPENSION FAILURE. PART OF THE FUNCTION IS TO STIFFEN THE SUSPENSION IF SWITCHED INTO SPORT MODE BUT THE LACK OF OIL FLUID WILL PREVENT IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH AUDI RS4 AND RS4 LEAKING SHOCKS. I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHEN I READ ABOUT THE COMMON ISSUE ON NHTSA. MANY MORE OWNERS WILL NOT KNOW OF THIS COMMON ISSUE. DRIVERS DO NOT EXPECT PREMATURE SUSPENSION FAILURE AND IT IS A SAFETY & HAZARD ISSUE. UNKNOWING OWNERS WOULD EXPECT THE SHOCKS TO NOT FAIL AND CAN SAFELY GO OVER BUMPS OR POT HOLES WITHOUT POSSIBLY LOSING CONTROL…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2016SuspensionODI 10853034

Structure

1 report
“FRAME CRACK AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. NO ACCIDENTS. NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. FRAME SHOULD NEVER CRACK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND AUDI FAILED TO ADDRESS IT. I'M AN ATTORNEY. I WILL BE FILING A LAWSUIT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2019StructureODI 11242109
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
R8
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131915$5,150592
R8
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
132015$5,150592
  • R8
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    13 city · 19 hwy · $5,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • R8
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    13 city · 20 hwy · $5,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Audi R8 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 2762
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 R8 questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi R8 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.

What are the most common 2008 Audi R8 problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (4), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Audi R8 get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Audi R8 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026