RoadVitals

2008 Audi RS 4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest Aug 18, 2010
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jun 22, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Audi RS 4, most frequently naming the engine and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 240 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine150.0%
  • Suspension150.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V427000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 22, 2018
237,947 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69R7View on NHTSA.gov
18V082000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 30, 2018
162,782 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69R6View on NHTSA.gov
17V032000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 11, 2017
33,421 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 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

NHTSA ID
10350450
Incident
Jan 10, 2009
Mileage
18,560 mi
Filed Jun 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

NHTSA ID
10334530
Incident
May 30, 2010
Mileage
100 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 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

NHTSA ID
10278417
Incident
Jul 27, 2009
Mileage
11,334 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A9124632044694_3

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.

A912306202432310

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.

A9023562032113_8

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.

A0023812070568_2

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.

A9423672071954_1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.

A7423262071893_1

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi RS 4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023000—
2022000—
2021000—
2020000—
2019000—
2018000—
2015000—
2014000—
2013000—
2009000—
2008Viewing330—
2007420—
2004010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.