Research · Small Station Wagons
2008 Audi S4 AvantRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2008 Audi S4 Avant. Most complaints involve air bags (3) and steering (1). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$4,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Audi S4 Avant as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2011 – May 2018
- Air bags3
- Steering1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
3 reports
“TAKATA RECALL. HAVE RECEIVED LATEST NOTICE (NHSTA 17V032) INDICATING THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDS INTERIM REMEDY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HAVE CALLED DEALERSHIP (AUDI BURLINGTON MA) 3-4 TIMES TO HAVE REPAIR SCHEDULED OVER LAST 2 MONTHS. WAS ON THE REPAIR SCHEDULE FOR TODAY AT 10:15 AM BUT THEY CANCELLED SAYING PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE (HAVE EMAIL). ACCORDING TO NOTICE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. DEALER REFUSES TO GIVE ME A ORDER NUMBER FOR THE PART FOR MY VEHICLE (CLAIMING THEY ARE ORDERED IN BULK NOT BY VIN), REFUSES TO GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO WHEN PART WILL BE IN. MY VEHICLE IS APPROACHING 10 YEARS OLD, I BELIEVE DUE TO BEING IN MA IN GROUP 5. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN PART IS AVAILABLE BUT WILL GIVE NO TIME ESTIMATE, CLAIMS I AM ON A "SHORT LIST" FOR THE REPAIR. I AM LEFT IN A SITUATION WHERE I CAN'T USE MY PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS FOR THE LAST YEAR AND NOW HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS WILL BE ADDRESSED.”
Steering
1 report
“MY VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL GOES FROM PRACTICALLY FROZEN TO BEING LOOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE DRIVING OFF THE ROAD, INTO TRAFFIC, CRASH, ETC. DEALERSHIP, DELTA AUDI, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, CANNOT REPLICATE AND REFUSE TO DRIVE SIMILAR TO THE CONDITIONS IT FAILS, FOR LACK OF STAFF AND RESOURCES. AUDI OF AMERICA AND "STATE REPRESENTATIVE" AND "END OF THE LINE" DECISION MAKER RYAN CONLIN (248) 754-3426, STATES HE WILL OFFER NO FURTHER RESOLVE. HE REFUSES TO PUT IN WRITING EFFORTS MADE TO RESOLVE, TO DATE. HE STATES THAT I MAY NOT SPEAK WITH, NOR HAVE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HIS SUPERVISOR KELLY ROLAND. I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS OPERATIONAL. UNPREDICATABLE ABILITY TO STEER A VEHICLE IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE. AUDI REFUSES TO APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- 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 7, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 Avant Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,850 | 555 |
| S4 Avant Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 15 | $5,150 | 592 |
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 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 S4 Avant as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 2772
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 S4 Avant questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi S4 Avant have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Audi S4 Avant problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (3), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Audi S4 Avant get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Audi S4 Avant at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026