NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls, 31 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Audi A8.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate what owners report for the 2015 Audi A8, making up roughly half the total complaint volume. The most serious pattern involves complete engine failure, owners describe the check engine light coming on while driving, followed by the vehicle stalling and requiring a tow. A separate but recurring theme is valve train noise, with multiple owners reporting a knocking sound from the engine. Service brake complaints appear but in small numbers and don't form a clear pattern at this volume. Two owners independently report windshield leaks on the passenger side, water entering from the upper corner without any visible glass damage. The engine failure and valve train knock complaints are the clearest recurring themes here, with stalling at highway speeds being the most commonly described outcome.
31
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Audi A8 has 6 recalls, with fire risk being the dominant concern across multiple fuel system and engine compartment defects that can allow fuel or flammable materials to reach hot surfaces.
Four of the six recalls involve fuel reaching ignition sources by different paths. The fuel rails on either side of the engine can develop leaks, allowing raw gasoline to escape near hot engine components or electrical systems. Separately, the high-pressure fuel pump supply line can become porous over time and weep fuel in a similar location. The engine compartment seal around the hood can also work loose and sag down onto hot engine parts, creating a burn and fire risk even without a fuel leak present. Any one of these conditions puts an ignition source in close proximity to flammable material.
On the mechanical side, the turbocharger oil supply strainer can clog and starve the turbocharger bearings of lubrication. As the bearings wear, the spinning turbine wheel can contact the inside of the turbocharger housing, or the shaft connecting it can break entirely. Either outcome can cause the engine to stall without warning while the vehicle is moving, raising the risk of a crash. Drivers may notice reduced power or unusual noise from the turbocharger before a failure occurs, though the stall can happen without much warning.
At a glance
What can fail
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, reducing lubrication to the bearings and causing wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal around the engine compartment can loosen and touch hot engine parts.
What the fix does
A retaining plate will be installed to keep the engine compartment seal from loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel supply line connecting to the high pressure fuel pump can develop small holes and leak fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a fuel pressure damper at no cost to address the leak.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A small amount of fuel may leak from one or both fuel rails due to a defect in the fuel rail assembly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and right fuel rails to stop the leak.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and right fuel rails may develop leaks, allowing fuel to escape.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right fuel rails at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump's fuel supply line may develop porosity over time, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
The fuel line will be replaced with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
