2015 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2015 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate at 61% of complaints, with 5 recalls covering fuel-line and turbocharger issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 18.5 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2015 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine19 (61%)
- Brakes4 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (13%)
- Electrical System3 (10%)
- Structure & Body3 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (6%)
- Other2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (6%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses power and drops from highway speed down to around 40 mph, then stalls when the accelerator is pressed.
- Engine stalls in traffic at a stoplight, sputters, lurches, and fails to restart after multiple attempts.
- Cars vibrate at highway speeds above 35 mph, felt through the steering wheel, seats, and dashboard, with owners saying wheel and tire replacements do not fix it.
- Brakes vibrate violently during braking, sometimes making it hard to control vehicle speed.
- Automatic emergency braking activates without warning on a clear road with no obstruction nearby.
- Oil separator failure produces a loud whistling sound at idle and rough running, which owners describe as a known issue without a recall.
2015 Audi A8 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
- NHTSA 20V397000Jul 7, 2020Structure & Body12,964 vehicles
Structure:body:hood
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
- NHTSA 19V057000Jan 28, 2019Fuel System8,985 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
2015 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 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 A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Audi A8 reliable?
- Compared to other A8 model years, the 2015 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 95, the second-highest of the 21 years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict.
- What is the main problem with the 2015 Audi A8?
- Engine issues make up 61% of complaints for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 67,000 miles. Owners reported stalling and sudden loss of power.
- Does the 2015 Audi A8 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Audi A8, covering the turbocharger oil supply strainer, an engine compartment seal, and two separate fuel-line leak issues.
- How does the 2015 A8 compare to other years?
- It ranks 2nd worst among 21 model years with data, behind the 2013 A8's complaint index of 100. Years like 2005 and 2006 rate Good with much lower complaint indexes of 40 and 35.
- Are there brake problems on the 2015 Audi A8?
- Brakes account for 13% of complaints, with owners reporting vibration during braking and unexpected automatic emergency braking activation; median mileage at failure was 19,950.