Research · Subcompact Cars
2008 Audi S5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2008 Audi S5. Most complaints involve power train (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 16–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Audi S5 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 · Jan 2013 – Apr 2019
- Power train1
- Air bags1
- Visibility1
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 Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
1 report
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SYNCOS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY CAUSING GRINDING INTO GEARS AND FAILURE TO ENGAGE GEARS WICH CAN CAUSE STALLS OR SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED. IV BEEN TOLD ITS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THESE VEHICLES.”
Air bags
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V376000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK THE FOLLOWING DAY TO THE DEALER (AUDI OMAHA, 808 N 102ND ST, SUITE B, OMAHA, NE 68114, 402-393-7000) AND THE TECHNICIAN DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE EXISTED PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.”
Visibility
1 report
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE SUNROOF SHOULD HAVE DRAINED THE EXCESS WATER BUT IT WAS ENTERING THROUGH THE AIR BAG INSTEAD. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUNROOF CONNECTION WOULD NEED REPAIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 32,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| S5 Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 16mpg 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 S5 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2757
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 S5 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Audi S5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Audi S5 problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1), air bags (1), visibility (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Audi S5 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Audi S5 at 16–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026