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
01 —Recalls

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
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2013 – Apr 2019
  1. Power train1
  2. Air bags1
  3. Visibility1

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 S5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20083
201020
20118
201210
201316
20146
20152
20161
201826
20196
202025
20211
20242
202511
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 13, 2019Power trainODI 11196026

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2018Air bagsODI 11089135

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2013VisibilityODI 10490759
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S5
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162219$4,200468
S5
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
142116$5,000555
  • S5
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • S5
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    14 city · 21 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 S5 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2757
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 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