2015 Audi A8 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 11th of 12 A8 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 37
- Per 10,000 cars
- 51.6
- 7,167 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.8×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 20
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2015 Audi A8?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi A8 is 64 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.8 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 11th of the 12 A8 years we score.
The most reported problem is the turbocharger, mostly stalling (15 of 37 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the engine. 20 of the 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers six warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2014 scores 66 and the 2016 scores 72.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-02 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 6 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.8 times the problems of the average car its age
- Turbocharger: stalling15 complaints
- Brakes: vibration or shudder3 complaints
- Engine: stalling3 complaints
How the 2015 A8 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 2.0× | −23 |
| Everyday problems | 1.2× | −8 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.88× | −5 |
| Score | 64 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2015 A8. If it were exactly average, its 7,167 cars would draw about 3.2 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 37 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Audi A8, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 37.
Turbocharger: stalling
15 complaints (41%)
Stalling, a loss of power and damage. 12 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (8%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Engine: stalling
3 complaints (8%)
Stalling. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
PCV valve or crankcase breather: rough running or misfires
2 complaints (5%)
Rough running or misfires and unusual noises.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (5%)
Water leaking in.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (5%)
A failure and a leak.
Engine failure: damage
2 complaints (5%)
Damage and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Vibration or shudder.
Reported Once (16)
Show the 16 problems reported once
- Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
- Airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
- Forward collision warning: stopped working
- Screen and audio: works on and off
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Cross bar (cause not stated)
- Suspension (part not stated) failure
- Turbo oil strainer failure
- Rearview camera: works on and off
- Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
- Side blind zone alert: stopped working
- Timing chain or camshaft failure
- Tires: a leak
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Valve train: unusual noises
How the 2015 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years
The other A8 years of the 3rd generation (D4), 2011 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Caution | 67 | 1.5× | 29.0 | 3 | Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive |
| 2018 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 2 | – |
| 2017 | Good | 77 | 0.62× | 16.6 | 3 | – |
| 2016 | Good | 72 | 0.92× | 39.5 | 4 | Suspension (part not stated): sticking or stiffness |
| 2015 This year | Caution | 64 | 1.8× | 51.6 | 5 | Turbocharger: stalling |
| 2014 | Caution | 66 | 1.4× | 41.2 | 5 | Turbocharger: stalling |
| 2013 | Avoid | 58 | 2.7× | 84.1 | 6 | Turbocharger: stalling |
| 2012 | Good | 77 | 0.66× | 24.2 | 1 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2011 | Good | 74 | 0.83× | 29.5 | 1 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2010 | Not scored | – | – | 15.4 | 1 | – |
2015 Audi A8 Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2015 Audi A8. The most recent was issued in March 2022: “Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer
Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V178000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 23, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Compartment Seal May Detach
If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V397000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 7, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Supply Line May Become Porous and Leak Fuel
Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
NHTSA 19V057000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 28, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Supply Line May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V430000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 25, 2018. By the fourth quarter of 2019, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2015 Audi A8 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has six warranty extensions for the 2015 Audi A8, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, emissions system and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-02
Bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- The problem:
- Under the emissions recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels waited for an approved fix. Their new car warranty could run out before the fix was ready.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs defects in materials or workmanship as the new car warranty would, with the same exclusions, such as tires and wear items.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2 diesels in the emissions recall whose new car warranty ran out, with no other coverage. Owners who opted out of the class action settlement do not qualify. For Gen 2.1 Q7s it ended November 6, 2017.
- Coverage:
- From January 31, 2017, or the end of the new car warranty if later, until an emissions fix is approved or denied.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-01
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- The problem:
- Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2 A6, A7, A8 and Q5, engine codes CPNA or CPNB, fixed under the emissions recall. No model years are named. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-09
3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
- The problem:
- Because of a manufacturing issue, the exhaust gas temperature sensor in the EGR cooler can malfunction now and then. The check engine light comes on, and emissions may be affected.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the sensor and replaces it under the extended warranty if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2014 and 2015 Audis with the 3.0 TDI diesel, engine codes CNRB, CPNA or CPNB. The faulty sensor must have turned the check engine light on and kept it on.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-03
Crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
- The problem:
- The crankcase ventilation valve can fail. It causes a whistling noise in the engine bay and turns on the check engine light.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the crankcase ventilation valve for free if it diagnoses the valve as faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2013 to 2016 Audis with a 3.0 or 4.0 gasoline engine. Cars with a branded title, such as salvage, flood, rebuilt, fleet or lemon law buyback, or bought from a junkyard or body shop, are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-02
4.0 engine turbo failure
- The problem:
- The turbo on the 4.0 engine can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2013 to 2017 Audis with the 4.0 turbo engine. The bulletin names no model. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- 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.
2015 Audi A8 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2015 Audi A8. One led to a recall and one other has closed.
Engine stalling after turbocharger failure
ClosedNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into sudden engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Owners said turbochargers failed when a clogged oil strainer cut off oil. The strainer is hard to reach for service. NHTSA and Audi had about 824 reports of these stalls. NHTSA upgraded it to an engineering analysis.
NHTSA PE21009Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Mar 29, 2021 to May 27, 2022
Turbocharger failures from a clogged oil strainer
Led to a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis looked into engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Audi filed recall 22V-178 to replace the oil strainer with a larger mesh one. Cars built since 2017 with that strainer had no reported turbo failures from oil starvation. NHTSA closed the analysis, citing the recall.
NHTSA EA22001Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 4, 2022 to May 26, 2023
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2015 A8, from its five recalls, six 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.
- Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer NHTSA 22V178000
- Engine Compartment Seal May Detach NHTSA 20V397000
- Fuel Supply Line May Become Porous and Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V057000
- Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000
- Fuel Supply Line May Leak Fuel NHTSA 18V430000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-17-02: bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- AWA-18-01: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- AWA-16-09: 3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
- AWA-19-03: crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
- AWA-22-02: 4.0 engine turbo failure
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
On the Test Drive
- Listen for whistling and watch for reduced-power warnings.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Turbocharger
- Brakes
- Engine
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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