2015 Audi A4 problems
The 2015 Audi A4 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6, the ZF 8HP gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. The 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, one documented fault affects 2015 cars, such as mMI system restarts, freezes and loss of connectivity.
2015 Audi A4 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 15 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.8From 4.8 to 7.7 depending on the engine
- Gearbox8.2Manual: no faults · ZF 8HP: 6.4
- Suspension7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment8.91 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior6.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
2.0 TSI / TFSI engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: 2.0 TFSI · 35 TFSI · 40 TFSI · 45 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.[4][5][6]
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 · 45 TDI · 50 TDI
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA897 evo, Euro 6 (CRTC, CRTD, CRTE, CRTF, CZVA, CSWB, DDXB and others; 2014-2020)
163–272 hp · CRTC, CRTD, CRTE, CRTF, CZVA, CZVB, CZVC, CZVE, CZVF, CSWB, CVZA, CVVB, DDXA, DDXB, DDXC, DDXE
The CRT and CZV series from 2014 to early 2017 have an Audi bulletin for possible camshaft breakage: check the engine number and whether they were replaced. The 200 kW A6 and A7 also went through the KBA recall.[8][9][10][11]
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.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingCamshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)On the EA897 evo engines from 2014 to early 2017 (mainly CRT, also CZV) the camshafts can break because of a material or design defect, according to the guides. Audi lists it in bulletin TPI 2043172 and the problem was considered under control from February 2017.
- 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
ZF 8HP gearbox in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: A4 Avant 40 TDI quattro tiptronic · A4 45 TFSI quattro tiptronic
- Buy
2nd generation (2014-2017)
· 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 845RE
It is the most widespread version and the one with the most known mileage: in the analyses of several models (BMW X3, BMW X5, Audi A6) gearbox faults are a minority of the total accounts, although occasional jerking is still documented and, less often, mechatronic faults or leaks. It is worth checking the history, but there is no systemic defect that argues against buying.[13][14][15]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Yes, although in a minority of cases: there are documented ZF 8HP mechatronic failures on BMW after 120,000-130,000 km, costing €1,400 to €3,500, and also control unit or electronic selector faults on Audi and Land Rover.Repair: €1,400–€3,500
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogrammingYes: on BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo there are accounts of jerking, hesitation or harsh shifts with the ZF 8HP. It is usually due to ageing oil or the calibration of the mechatronics, and the dealer often fixes it -not always first time- by reprogramming the gearbox control unit.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sumpYes: on the BMW 1 Series and the Jaguar F-Pace there are accounts of oil leaks from the ZF 8HP gearbox gaskets, in one case already at 40,000 km. If it is not repaired soon, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to the jerking or mechatronic failure of the related faults.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
2.0 TDI engine in the 2015 Audi A4
Names: 30 TDI · 35 TDI · 40 TDI
- 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.[17]
Faults that affect 2015 cars
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2015 Audi A4
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2015 Audi A4 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6, the ZF 8HP gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. The 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, one documented fault affects 2015 cars, such as mMI system restarts, freezes and loss of connectivity.
What is the best year for the Audi A4?
According to our score, the best are 2025, 2024, 2023 and 1 other years with the same score (7.7/10). The year with the worst score is 2015 (6.8/10). 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: camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV) (3.0 TDI V6, critical severity), 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) and injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, 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
- Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Audi A4 - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 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 EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · 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
- Audi A6 C7 (4G): Probleme, Rückrufe und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 1 August 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Informationen zu den Audi Nockenwellen Problemen am 3.0 TDI (CRT & CZV) Motor im A4, A5, A6, A7 sowie dem Q5 & Q7CarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Verdacht auf Abschalteinrichtung bei Audi A6 und A7heise autos · Motoring press · published 8 May 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Audi A4 (2015), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité BMW X3 (2010-2017), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité BMW X5 (2013-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- 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