YearToAvoid

2015 Audi A4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

43/100

#9 most-complained of 15 A4 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2015 Audi A4 has a Complaint Index of 43, ranking 9th worst out of 15 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other A4 years. NHTSA lists 19 complaints and 0 recalls for this year, with Engine issues being the top concern.

Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
26
22 city / 31 hwy

Top 2015 Audi A4 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine11 (58%)
  2. Electrical System5 (26%)
  3. Other2 (11%)
  4. Airbags1 (5%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
  6. Fuel System1 (5%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (5%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain1 (5%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)

What owners report

  • Engine burns excessive oil, requiring a quart added roughly every 700-1000 miles with no visible leak, and exhaust pipes turn black.
  • Water pump fails due to a small plastic seal malfunctioning, causing coolant to expel from the system.
  • Front grill detaches and separates from the vehicle while driving, accompanied by inoperable headlights and multiple warning lights.
  • Engine dies suddenly while driving with no warning lamps or messages, in one case traced to a broken chain damaging pistons.
  • Turn signal switch malfunctions, activating the left signal when the right is selected.
  • Multi Media Interface (MMI) system stops working shortly after purchase despite functioning during the test drive.
2015 Audi A4 complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2019Nov 2020Jul 2021Jan 2022Sep 2022Mar 2023Dec 2024Dec 2025
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Jul 2026; peak Mar 2021 (3).

2015 Audi A4 recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2015 Audi A4 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
31 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,050
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2015 compared with other A4 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Caution5724025
2014Good3632026
2015Good4319026
2016Best2111026
2017Avoid8655127.5

All Audi A4 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Audi A4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 Audi A4 has a Complaint Index of 43, ranking 9th worst among 15 model years, which earns it a "Good" verdict relative to other A4 years.
What problems does the 2015 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA complaints most often cite the Engine, accounting for 11 of 19 complaints (58%), with a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles. Electrical System issues make up another 5 complaints (26%), with a median mileage of 21,006 miles.
Does the 2015 Audi A4 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2015 Audi A4.
What year Audi A4 should I avoid?
According to NHTSA data, the 2010, 2017, 2018, and 2020 Audi A4 model years are rated "Avoid," with Complaint Index values of 93, 86, 79, and 100 respectively, all higher than the 2015 model's 43.
How does the 2015 Audi A4 compare to other years?
The 2015 A4 has a Complaint Index of 43 and 19 complaints, lower than the 2013 (57), 2017 (86), 2018 (79), and 2020 (100) model years, placing it among the better years for the A4.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.