2015 Audi A8
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2015 Audi A8. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2015 Audi A8. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Owner complaints
32 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Had car towed to dealer for recall was there 4 months was told they didn’t want to work on in now they have had it towed off there lot with out telling me
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Suspension
So I purchased a vehicle from wright drive in El Paso, Texas. I was driving home back to Alamogordo which is 90 miles away, maybe 80 I realized there was no adaptive cruise control. So I messaged dealership. They told me that there was nothing they could do. It's not a safety issue. I got the…
So I purchased a vehicle from wright drive in El Paso, Texas. I was driving home back to Alamogordo which is 90 miles away, maybe 80 I realized there was no adaptive cruise control. So I messaged dealership. They told me that there was nothing they could do. It's not a safety issue. I got the vehicle home the next day. I found out the whole front suspension was bad. I kept hearing a noise when I would drive over bumps and it was really loud. I contacted the dealership, told them that the suspension was bad. They told me to take it to Audi to have them look at it. It came out to like $8,000 worth of repairs. They told me they would not pay that and I could return the vehicle for a full refund. I told them okay. I would be there in 3 days because I was working. They said that was fine. I get there 3 days later they told me that was no longer an option. So I got stuck with the car that needed $8,000 worth of repairs and then another four for more suspension parts. New breaks the 3,000 to fix the adaptive cruise control. I understand the adaptive cruise control is not really a big deal but the fact that they lied about me being able to return the vehicle and now I'm stuck with the vehicle thing that I've paid more fixing a suspension then the car is even worth. I'm a single father with two kids. I cannot afford to keep paying for a car that they should have taken back to begin with because it's illegal to sell a vehicle that has saved the issues
- Engine
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..
- Visibility/wiper
Water leaking from passenger side top right corner from windshield. Glass isn’t damaged. Just started leaking for no reason
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
Leaking windshield on passenger side top left corner
- Engine
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 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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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.
- Engine
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
- Engine
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.
- Engine
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.
- Engine
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine
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.
- Engine
After getting off the highway, the engine just quit. Fortunately we were at a stop sign at the end of the off-ramp. There was no warning and we were not able to restart the car to move it out of traffic nor could we shift into neutral. Had this happened a few minutes earlier, we would have been…
After getting off the highway, the engine just quit. Fortunately we were at a stop sign at the end of the off-ramp. There was no warning and we were not able to restart the car to move it out of traffic nor could we shift into neutral. Had this happened a few minutes earlier, we would have been traveling at 70 mph. Fortunately, my son was driving, because at my age had this happened at highway speed, there IS no way I could have steered it to safety without power steering. I know that this IS not the first incident of this happening to this model car. It should be a safety recall before someone gets killed because of this problem. It's a shame that audi IS forcing its customers to cover the cost of this safety issue.
- Engine
Engine shut down at highway speed ~65mph while decelerating into toll booth our to turbo failure. Complete engine shut down. Lost power in highway traffic. dangerously navigated through ezpass lane without power. Hazards on. Dangerously navigated to shoulder, coasting, with no engine power. Came…
Engine shut down at highway speed ~65mph while decelerating into toll booth our to turbo failure. Complete engine shut down. Lost power in highway traffic. dangerously navigated through ezpass lane without power. Hazards on. Dangerously navigated to shoulder, coasting, with no engine power. Came to complete stop on shoulder. Was able to restart motor and drove directly to audi dealership. dealership confirmed known turbo failure problem on vehicle model. This IS a potentially deadly condition and needs to be federally addressed. audi has a 2015 supplement to emissions warranty identifying the turbo failures and there IS a federal statue to extent this correction to 7YR 70K miles. regardless, it should be a safety recall.
- Power train
Turbo failure at 57,000 miles. Car died while in traffic while going down the road.
- Power train · Seats
The driver seat badges a back and forth a little bit and the transmission shifts roughly in dynamic mode and there IS a big vibration when car IS shifting gears
- Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Blind spot detection
Front collision warning system light does not illuminate in the heads up display and the audio portion of the alarm IS not audible. I have taken this to the dealer and they have no resolution. the blind side warning system has no audio.
- Engine
Bad water pump and cross bar
- Engine
Car ran rough on the way home from picking up take out dinner - metallic, rapid popping sound coming from engine bay (faint with window up). Car died while slowing at a stop light and would not turn on - steering wheel also locked, power brakes failed. I was able to bring my car to a stop before…
Car ran rough on the way home from picking up take out dinner - metallic, rapid popping sound coming from engine bay (faint with window up). Car died while slowing at a stop light and would not turn on - steering wheel also locked, power brakes failed. I was able to bring my car to a stop before striking a boulder using non-power brakes. Car was towed to nearest audi dealership and I was informed that both (!) turbos failed at just over 70,000 miles and meticulous service. Oil was changed at half the recommended interval (@5,000 miles). Expensive repair that shouldn't be happening at such low mileage (and extremely frequently from owner reports) that also led to a completely loss of control and some brake function. Audi has a tsb on the issue, but wondering why the dot/nhtsa has yet to enforce a recall? *tr
- Air bags
I was involved in a rear end collision and my air bag didn't deploy causing me a head injury. My vehicle was stationary siting in highway traffic. My vehicle sustained $16,000.00 in repair cost.
- Engine
I was driving down the highway then my engine shutoff, it was very hard to control the car, I was able to pull over. Audi says both turbo had blown, I guess its common.
- Engine · Tires · Wheels
I have owned my 2015 audi 8L for 6 months and it has started to stall whenever I start the initiation button. Often times it will just shift off causing me to have to restart it multiple times. I brought this issue up my local audi dealership and they have acted as if they were totally unaware of…
I have owned my 2015 audi 8L for 6 months and it has started to stall whenever I start the initiation button. Often times it will just shift off causing me to have to restart it multiple times. I brought this issue up my local audi dealership and they have acted as if they were totally unaware of this issue. Also I keep getting low pressure in my from right tire, this keeps me from being able to drive long distances as I am military stationed in an isolated area. *tr
- Engine
The car experienced a oil separator failure. the made an extremely loud whistling sound at idle. This IS a known issue and audi issued a tsb for it but did not issue a recall. the car ran very rough. To fis this issue I had to pay over $2,000 to have an new version of the oil separator installed. Audi should issue a recall on this since they know the original part IS defective.
- Engine
Engine stalled in traffic and car would not restart. car was operating normally, pulled up to a red light to turn left on to busy 2-lane highway. engine began sputtering and car lurched forward. light turned green, was able to turn left on to the road. I got 1/3 mile down the road and the…
Engine stalled in traffic and car would not restart. car was operating normally, pulled up to a red light to turn left on to busy 2-lane highway. engine began sputtering and car lurched forward. light turned green, was able to turn left on to the road. I got 1/3 mile down the road and the engine stalled completely and would not restart on multiple attempts. car was disabled and stuck in traffic. car towed to dealer. dealer diagnosed failed turbochargers. car had 68,800 miles on it at time of turbocharger failure. car was serviced at audi dealer for every service interval per manufacturer recommended mileage-based intervals. car/engine has not been modified in any way with aftermarket parts.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall…
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor to the engine stalling was the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints cited the turbocharger failure was a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making servicing the component difficult. The oil strainer removes particles and carbon deposits from the oil before lubricating the turbochargers. Over time, if the debris is not removed from the oil strainer, it becomes clogged and prevents oil from flowing to the turbochargers. This causes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat resulting in turbine shaft failure due to thermal stress.On April 04, 2022, PE21-009 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA22-001) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect. Volkswagen filed recall 22V-178 to replace the 30?m mesh oil strainer with a 90?m mesh oil strainer in the subject vehicles. VW introduced the larger mesh oil strainer into production in March of 2017 effecting the 2017-2018MY vehicles.ODI reviewed information from VW for vehicles that had the larger mesh installed in production. The data received showed, since the new oil strainer size of 90?m went into production for the 2017-2018MY, there has not been any reported incidents of turbocharger failures due to oil starvation or other failures that could be related to the larger screen mesh. In view of the recall being conducted by VW and lack of any detrimental side effect to the turbocharger caused by the larger mesh, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.11502847,11506565,11494663,11488813,11486393,11480926,11479882,11476289,11466761 11464663,11463254,11460580,11460496,11458973,11458804,11457556,11454753,11452668 11452589,11452584,11452383,11452175,11452111,11451724,11451724,11450995,11450988 11449661,11447092,11443657,11442867,11440536,11440052,11439959,11438691,11436461 11435619,11433925,11433733,11432336,11431661,11431421,11429704,11429584,11428128 11426929,11424203,11423603,11423337,11422431,11421084,11420626,11420342,11419693 11418884,11418437,11418433,11418135,11417635,11417351,11416095,11414578,11414235 11414064,11413359,11413285,11413214,11407510,11407450,11406897,11406821,11406637 11406460,11406416,11406291,11406287,11406277,11406273,11406263,11406256,11406251 11406229,11406222,11406208,11406204,11406197,11406182,11406015,11404665,11404426 11404348,11403823,11403430,11403268,11402684,11399435,11397821,11396241,11394763 11391037
- Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that…
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the major contributing factor to the engine stalling is the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints further allege the turbocharger failure is a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making regular service difficult. The oil strainer removes dirty particles and carbon deposits from the oil before flowing to lubricate the Turbochargers. Overtime if the debris are not removed from the oil strainer, it clogs the strainer and prevents free flow of oil to the turbochargers and makes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat which causes the turbine shaft to break due to thermal stress. In VW's response to ODI's Information Request letter, VW provided approximately 611 warranty claims with unique VINs, 70 Field Reports and 45 Consumer complaints. These reports allege engine stalling due to turbocharger failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above. To date, NHTSA has received approximately 98 allegations of stall due to turbocharger failures. The total of 824 reports shown in the table above eliminates duplicate reports received by both ODI and the manufacturer.This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect of engine stalling due to turbocharger failureThe ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11452589, 11452584, 11452383, 11450995, 11450988, 11449661, 11447092, 11442867 11440536, 11440052, 11439959, 11438691, 11436461, 11435619, 11431661, 11429704 11429584, 11426929, 11424203, 11423603, 11423337, 11421084, 11420626, 11420342 11418884, 11418437, 11418433, 11417635, 11417351, 11416095, 11414235, 11413359 11413214, 11413285, 11413133, 11407510, 11407450, 11407289, 11406821, 11406416 11406291, 11406277, 11406273, 11406256, 11406251, 11406229, 11406222, 11406204 11406197, 11406182, 11404665, 11404426, 11404348, 11403430, 11403268, 11399435 11397821, 11396241, 11394763, 11391037, 11388662, 11387166, 11377446, 11363283 11354107, 11344193, 11342497, 11342360, 11340302, 11325065, 11324163, 11322168, 11321144, 11318477, 11306754, 11279429, 11268109, 11256706, 11252723, 11246579 11234853, 11234714, 11231582, 11231013, 11230589, 11229484, 11222281, 11218822 11218749, 11217604, 11209168, 11209142, 11197149, 11191243, 11175842, 11170776 11164032, 11152418.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011263This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009999This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009937This bulletin provides additional information pertaining to continued noises/vibrations in tight bends - Q7 and A8 vehicle models.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009362This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009361This bulletin provides information regarding steering wheel visual damage.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009354This bulletin provides information on frequency analysis.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009344This bulletin provides information on repairs on the air spring strut of the frong axle; additional sealing.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007354This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007311This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007301This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007273This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007230This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007220This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
Every Audi A8 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.