DecodedCars2008 Audi S5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Audi S5 is a subcompact car offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 10% worse than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe AWD | 182.7 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,891 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| S5 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Audi S5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi S5 (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi S5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Audi S5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Audi S5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 129,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Audi S5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S5 | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S5 | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 S5 | 23 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2024 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 S5 | 23 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 S5 | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2019 S5 | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2018 S5 | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2017 S5 | 21 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 S5 | 21 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →