Research · Compact Cars
2008 Audi RS4Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2008 Audi RS4. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (1) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$5,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Audi RS4 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2009 – Aug 2010
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Suspension1
- Other / unknown1
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 RS4 model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
1 report
“I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST FOR SERVICE LODGED ON 4 AUGUST 2010. AS PROMISED, I HAVE PROVIDED TO MY DEALERSHIP HERE IN ALASKA. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ONCE AGAIN IN YOUR LACK OF ATTENTION. I'M NOW GOING TO THE FOLLOWING SITE TO POST THIS COMPLAINT SO OTHERS MAY BE FOREWARNED AT THE LACK OF SERVICE. HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/IVOQ/COMPLAINT.CFM MY MESSAGE FROM 4 AUG 2010 THAT WENT UN-ADDRESSED: I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY AUDI IS HANDLING THE INJECTOR AND MISFIRE ON MY 08 RS4. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL AUDI'S AND YOU HAVE NOW PUT MY DEALER IN A POSITION OF NOT ADDRESSING THE REAL ISSUE ON THE POOR RUNNING OF MY AUDI. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MISFIRING ON SEVERAL CYLINDERS BUT RATHER THAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTORS OR A THOROUGH CLEANING/INSPECTION OF THE VALVES, I'VE BEEN SENT AWAY WITH WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN ENGINE TREATMENT SOLUTION. YOU HAVE NOT ALLOWED MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO PROPERLY INVESTIGATE AND CURE THE PROBLEM. YOU HAVE RATHER CHOSEN TO TAKE PROGRESSIVELY FUTILE ATTEMPTS TO PLACATE ME AND THE ISSUE COSTING ME TIME AND MONEY. BY NOT…”
Suspension
1 report
“AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAN CAUSE HANDLING/CONTROL ISSUES. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL RECALL. AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION INCLUDES A COMPONENT CALLED DRC (DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL) WHICH HAS AN OIL-FILLED BUSHING ON TOP OF THE SHOCK STRUT. THIS COMPONENT FAILS REGULARLY AND LEAKS OIL DOWN THE STRUT (SOMETIMES POOLING ON THE GROUND AS IN MY CASE). THE FAILURE CAN AFFECT HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- 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 Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS4 Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
| RS4 Cabriolet Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 19 | 14 | $5,700 | 635 |
- 15mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Audi RS4 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2765
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2008 RS4 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi RS4 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Audi RS4 problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (1), suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Audi RS4 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Audi RS4 at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026