2015 Audi A4 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 6th of 24 A4 years we score.

Owner complaints: 49; 8 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 12.8; 32,055 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.35×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 10; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 A4 2016 A4 →

Should You Buy the 2015 Audi A4?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi A4 is 80 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 24 A4 years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (6 of 49 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the transmission. 10 of the 49 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the steering, engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2014 scores 78 and the 2016 scores 86.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 80
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil6 complaints
Steering failure6 complaints
Transmission: the car rolling away5 complaints

How the 2015 A4 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.27×	−4
Everyday problems	0.53×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.64×	−7
Recalls	0.76×	−5
Score		80

What Owners Report

We read all 49 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
6 complaints (12%)
Burning or using oil and no oil in the engine.
Steering failure
6 complaints (12%)
A failure that needed a new part, locking up and pulling or wandering. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Transmission: the car rolling away
5 complaints (10%)
The car rolling away and failure or loss of drive. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (8%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Engine failure
3 complaints (6%)
A failure and locking up. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (4%)
A leak and warning lights.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (4%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (4%)
Shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (17)

Show the 17 problems reported once

12V battery: a leak
A/C: stopped working
ABS failure
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Engine
Engine oil leak
Engine overheating: warning lights
Exterior lights failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Headlights failure
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage
Screen and audio: stopped working
Parking sensor: stopped working
Turn signal switch failure
Seat belts: not closing or latching
Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2015 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years

The other A4 years of the 4th generation (B8), 2009 to 2016, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2017	Excellent	85	0.39×	13.7	6	Cooling system: a leak
2016	Excellent	86	0.38×	11.2	3	Steering: locking up
2015 This year	Excellent	80	0.35×	12.8	4	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2014	Good	78	0.63×	21.8	4	Steering: pulling or wandering
2013	Good	74	0.89×	31.6	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2012	Excellent	82	0.53×	20.6	1	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2011	Excellent	80	0.62×	18.8	1	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2010	Good	71	1.2×	40.2	0	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2009	Good	74	0.68×	25.1	6	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2008	Good	77	0.49×	17.8	6	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil

See every A4 year

2015 Audi A4 Recalls

Four recalls cover the 2015 Audi A4. The most recent was issued in April 2018: “Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V229000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt
Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt. The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V622000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 86% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Front Air Bags May Not Deploy on Secondary Impact
If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
NHTSA 14V667000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 24, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2015 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2015 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the steering, engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-03
Electromechanical steering unit malfunction
The problem:
The electromechanical steering unit can malfunction. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a malfunctioning steering unit, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2012 to 2015 A4, Q5, SQ5 and A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-04
Turbocharger failure
The problem:
The turbo can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain settlement class cars: 2013 to 2016 A4 sedan and allroad, 2013 to 2017 A5 and Q5, and 2012 to 2015 A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not. Each car's term depends on coolant pump work.
Coverage:
At least 14 months from April 12, 2021 or a coolant pump recall. No miles are stated. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2015 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S4 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

allroad AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2015 A4, from its four recalls, three Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit NHTSA 18V229000
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt NHTSA 17V622000
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000
Front Air Bags May Not Deploy on Secondary Impact NHTSA 14V667000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
AWA-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

High oil consumption
Steering
Transmission
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A4 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.