NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Audi RS 4 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Audi RS 4 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Audi RS 4, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2008 Audi RS 4 owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Audi RS 4, describing incidents dated January 10, 2009 to May 30, 2010.

Most-cited components

Engine 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10350450 · Filed August 18, 2010
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…
ODI #10334530 · Filed June 4, 2010
I DRIVE A 2008 AUDI RS4, AND MY MPH AND ODOMETER READINGS ARE 10-12% HIGHER THAN ACTUALS. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS SEVERAL WAYS. USING POLICE RADAR VEHICLES, USING GPS, AND USING OTHER CARS TO PACE, AS WELL AS USING THE SPEED CHECK SYSTEMS. ALL OF THEM SHOW I AM DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE ACTUAL DISPLAYED…
ODI #10278417 · Filed July 27, 2009
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…

Read all 3 complaints

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #18V427000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 22, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 237,947 vehicles

Repair completion: 42.32% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69R7 · Owners notified June 29, 2018 · Vehicles built March 2, 2006 – May 28, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #18V082000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 162,782 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69R6 · Owners notified February 23, 2018 · Vehicles built September 5, 2007 – February 5, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V032000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 11, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 33,421 vehicles

Owners notified March 30, 2018 · Vehicles built March 23, 2006 – May 28, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2008 Audi RS4 4-DR w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi RS 4.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10350450

Incident: January 10, 2009 · Filed: August 18, 2010

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 ALLOWING THE DEALER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, YOU NOW THREATEN TO RUIN WHAT WAS ONCE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP. I DEMAND THAT THE FUEL INJECTION AND MISFIRE PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 AUDI BE CORRECTED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FURTHER, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU AUTHORIZE MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY DIAGNOSIS, AND TO EFFECT REPAIRS AT ONCE. AUDI OF NORTH AMERICA BUSINESS MODEL FOR SERVICE HAS SOURED ME ON THE BRAND AND WILL WEIGH HEAVILY IN MY FUTURE PLANS FOR PURCHASE OF ANOTHER CAR. VERY DISAPPOINTED, VOCAL, AND CONNECTED WITH MANY CAR/MOTORCYCLING ENTHUSIASTS VIA BLOGS AND WEB SITES. I PROMISE YOU I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH IF AUDI DOESN'T. I HAVE SAVED A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE AND WILL PROVIDE TO MY DEALER AND ASSOCIATES ALONG WITH ANY RESPONSE FROM AUDI NORTH AMERICA. *TR

Unknown or Other

ODI #10334530

Incident: May 30, 2010 · Filed: June 4, 2010

I DRIVE A 2008 AUDI RS4, AND MY MPH AND ODOMETER READINGS ARE 10-12% HIGHER THAN ACTUALS. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS SEVERAL WAYS. USING POLICE RADAR VEHICLES, USING GPS, AND USING OTHER CARS TO PACE, AS WELL AS USING THE SPEED CHECK SYSTEMS. ALL OF THEM SHOW I AM DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE ACTUAL DISPLAYED VALUE BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT. THIS CAUSES A FEW ISSUES. FIRST I AM RACKING UP MILES ON THE CAR THAT ARE NOT ACTUAL, AFFECTING THE VALUE. SECOND I AM BEING PUT OUT OF VEHICLE WARRANTY 10-12% EARLIER THAN I WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE, A BOON FOR AUDI. THIRD I AM NOT TRAVELING SPEEDS I SAY I AM, WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES. I AM NOT THE ONLY RS4 OWNER WHO HAS NOTICED THIS ISSUE, IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL OWNERS NOW AND AUDI HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING. ALSO I AM CONCERNED I WILL BE FORCED OUT OF WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE EARLIER THAN I PAID FOR, BECAUSE OF THIS. 12% OF THE 48K MILES IS NEARLY 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING. THE 2007 AND 2008 AUDI RS4 APPEAR TO BE THE AFFECTED VEHICLE FROM AUDI. *TR

Suspension

ODI #10278417

Incident: July 27, 2009 · Filed: July 27, 2009

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

Other Audi RS 4 model years

Check your 2008 Audi RS 4 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi RS 4 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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