2015 Audi A8: common problems and reliability

The 2015 Audi A8 has 61 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag high maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2015 model year

61
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2015 a good year for the A8?

Across the 22 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 61 complaints, the 2015 A8 sits abovethe model's median of 8.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
34
service brakes
8
wheels
6
electrical system
5
visibility/wiper
4

Recalls affecting the 2015 A8

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 18V430000

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.

fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

Campaign 19V035000

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.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 19V057000

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.

structure:body:hood

Campaign 20V397000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market.

  • High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures: a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. See the full A8 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used A8 listings typically run $85,599–$95,190 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other A8 model years

Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 2015 ranks against the rest.

Compare the A8 against its rivals