2015 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (55% of complaints); the 2014 and 2016 and 2017 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Yet another beautiful Audi 3.0tfsi with the rocker arm failure ... how is there not a class action lawsuit already ? I have a knock in my valve train and I just bought this car two days ago .... Audi should be liable to fix this because I didn't know nothing about this and with a quick search it's alike a epidemic of the same problem..”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
“Water leaking from passenger side top right corner from windshield. Glass isn't damaged. Just started leaking for no reason”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Feb 2024
“The contact owns a 2015 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle that stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“With out any prior warning the car began to sputter and then lost power while I was on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership and found the Turbos failed which caused the problem. This car has been well maintained and serviced by the dealership. It now has a $14000.00 repair bill.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“Turbo chargers failed on highway at highway speeds leading major loss of power in a passing situation nearly causing an accident then the car stalled at exit ramp”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2022
“Engine stalled as i approached departure terminal at Newark airport. Dealer has inspected and determined the Turbo Impeller is bent and requires replacement. Car will not run. This is a known problem on Audi turbo engines apparently. Just prior to stalling the oil low light came on then the car stalled out creating a hazardous safety situation for a perfectly well maintained car.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2021
“Car stalled in left turn lane. Restarted with difficulty, and loss of power. No warning lights. Diagnosed by dealer to be failed twin turbochargers. 45688 miles. Replaced under extended warranty. Dangerous as car stalled in an intersection with no prior warning.”Owner report · Engine · May 2021
“The stock turbo when right in the middle of traffic at 60,000 miles. Almost died in traffic as the car would not move out of the road. This is not exclusive to A8 but to all the audi cars with the 4.0T engine across many vehicle years. An OEM turbo should last 150k-200k miles (half that if aftermarket). Cost $10k to replace.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2021
“My car's engine started stuttering and idling very roughly while exiting the expressway. The ec and check engine lights came on. It continued to shutter, and shake, until it shut off. It wouldn't restart, and I had to have it towed to the dealership where I purchased it. The dealer confirmed the issue, and reported the turbos had excessive play and scoring on the surface of the housing, caused by the excessive play in the turbos. Turbochargers needed to be replaced.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“Regular driving east bound on I-80 and after going up a hill my car couldn't go over 3500 rpms. Thought it was the ecu putting it into limp mode because of weather conditions. Turned out both my turbos blew at 67,000 miles and lead to total engine failure with metal shavings reaching the exhaust and loitering the oil pan.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
How other years compare
Check your exact A8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2015 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is engine (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2015 Audi A8 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 49,847 miles or less.
Does the 2015 Audi A8 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.