2015 Audi A8 Safety Report

The 2015 Audi A8 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant engine-related issues despite a relatively low overall complaint count. With 31 total NHTSA complaints, the vehicle has been associated with 1 crash and 1 injury, but no reported fires or deaths. A major concern stems from the 'ENGINE' component, which accounts for 15 of the 31 complaints (48.4%). Many of these complaints detail sudden engine stalls and turbocharger failures, often occurring at highway speeds, which poses a severe safety risk as drivers report losing power in traffic or during passing maneuvers. Several complaints explicitly mention the car stalling and being unable to restart, with repair bills for turbocharger and engine replacement reaching thousands of dollars. Recall history for the 2015 Audi A8 is substantial, with 5 recalls issued. Notably, three of these recalls are directly related to fuel system components (fuel supply lines, fuel rails) that could leak, increasing the risk of fire. Another critical recall addresses the turbocharger oil supply strainer, which can become blocked and lead to turbocharger wear, potentially causing an engine stall. This recall directly correlates with the high number of engine/turbocharger failure complaints. A fifth recall involves the engine compartment seal, which could contact hot engine components and increase fire risk. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2015 Audi A8, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the single reported injury in the complaint data, stemming from an airbag non-deployment in a rear-end collision, raises concerns about occupant protection systems. While the overall complaint volume is not exceptionally high for a luxury vehicle, the severity and pattern of engine failures and the multiple fire-risk recalls indicate significant safety vulnerabilities, particularly concerning engine reliability and potential fire hazards.

Our recommendation: Given the high incidence of critical engine failures and multiple fire-risk recalls, prospective buyers should exercise extreme caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed, and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and fuel system.