2015 Audi A4 problems
The 2015 Audi A4 was sold with 4 engines that we have documented: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6, the 2.0 TDI and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2015 cars, such as power steering warning after driving through heavy rain or flooded areas.
2015 Audi A4 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 21 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.6From 4.8 to 6.9 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2014 Audi A4
- Starts to be affected by: hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2.0 TDI)
2.0 TSI / TFSI engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: 2.0 TFSI
- With caution
2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 2/3, with Valvelift and direct injection only (2012-2016, 180-230 hp)
180–224 hp · CAEA, CDNB, CAEB, CDNC, CESA, CHHB, CULC, CNCD
Oil consumption improves compared with the previous generation according to the owner data collected, but carbon on the valves and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing are points to check.[2][3][4]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionIt is the most repeated complaint on first-batch EA888s (2008-2012) and still appears, to a lesser extent, in later generations. The engine needs topping up between services with no visible leak or obvious smoke at first.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, no petrol washes over the intake valves, so oil residue and soot build up and, over the years, restrict airflow and affect engine response.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250
3.0 TDI V6 engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: 3.0 TDI quattro
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 1, Euro 5 (CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB; 2007-2015)
239–245 hp · CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB
It keeps the generation 1 EGR and the weak points in cooling, intake and injectors; it is worth insisting on a history and a control unit scan.[5][7][8]
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 2, Euro 5 (CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD; 2010-2015)
204–300 hp · CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD
The EGR is much improved over generation 1 according to Audi, but the warnings about the chain, water pump and the KBA emissions software remain; check by VIN that the campaign has been done.[5][7][9][10]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0
2.0 TDI engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: 2.0 TDI 120 · 2.0 TDI 136 · 2.0 TDI 143 · 2.0 TDI 150 · 2.0 TDI 170
- With caution
2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)
84–177 hp · CBDC, CFFD, CAAC, CBAB, CFFB, CFHC, CFHD, CAGA, CJCA, CBAC, CAHA, CBBB, CFGB, CFGC, CGLC
Worth buying if the emissions update has been done and, on 2009-2011 units, the diesel pipe campaign, and if there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter or turbo problems. Caradisiac finds it hard to recommend the Audi A4 2.0 TDI of this era because of its reliability problems.[11][13][14]
- Buy
2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)
110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA
Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[15]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent updateThe 2.0 TDI EA189 (2008-2015) had software that reduced the EGR outside type-approval tests. Volkswagen fixes it free of charge with an update of about 30 minutes, which is not mandatory to pass the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) and whose long-term effects are still under discussion.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189On the 2.0 TDI EA189, the high-pressure pump can shed metal particles that force the pump and injectors to be replaced. In addition, 2009-2011 units were recalled for diesel leaks from the high-pressure pipes.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
- Low severityFrequency: RareTurboHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: S4 3.0 TFSI 333 CV
- With caution
3.0 TFSI 333 hp supercharged, direct injection (CAKA, CJTB, CTWA, CTUB; 2008-2015)
333 hp · CAKA, CJTB, CTWA, CTUB
Direct injection only, so carbon build-up is to be expected, and several of these units fall under the fuel rail campaigns; ask for invoices for the campaigns and for intake cleaning.[17][19][20]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.
Faults outside the engine in the 2015 Audi A4
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSteeringPower steering warning after driving through heavy rain or flooded areasSeveral A4 B8 owners report a power steering error warning, with reduced assistance, after driving through heavy rain or waterlogged areas; they point to water getting into an electrical component, although there is no independent source to confirm it.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentMMI multimedia system freezes and restartsOn the better-equipped versions of the A4 B8, the MMI multimedia system can suffer freezes, spontaneous restarts or loss of touch response, according to a specialist workshop; a software update usually does the job, although in some cases the unit has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €350–€700
Buying a 2015 Audi A4?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2015 Audi A4 was sold with 4 engines that we have documented: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6, the 2.0 TDI and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2015 cars, such as power steering warning after driving through heavy rain or flooded areas.
Is the 2015 Audi A4 better than the 2014?
Our score goes from 7.2 in 2014 to 7.2 in 2015. Starts to be affected by: hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2.0 TDI).
What is the best year for the Audi A4?
According to our score, the best are 2015, 2014 and 2013 (7.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2007 (5.5/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2015 Audi A4 have?
The most important ones documented for 2015 cars are: high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and high-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189 (2.0 TDI, high severity).
Own a 2015 Audi A4? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Audi S4Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Used Audi A4 buying guide 2008-2015 (Mk4)Carbuyer · Motoring press · published 7 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German