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2015 Audi Q3

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 Q3.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2015 Audi Q3 is classified as an SUV equipped with an Automatic (S6) transmission, achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/28/23 mpg while requiring 5.0 qt of oil with viscosities such as 5W-40, 5W-30, or 0W-40. Ownership data for this model year documents 22 total owner complaints and 2 recalls, with the top complaint area identified as the Engine and Fuel/Propulsion System. Within the broader model complaint history covering 2008-2026, the 2015 variant sits well below the highest recorded count of 63 complaints in 2020 but remains above the lowest baseline of 1 complaint in 2008. Consequently, researchers should interpret this model year as a middle-ground option that avoids the generation's highest complaint concentration while exceeding the earliest recorded year's minimal volume.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-40 / 5W-30 / 0W-40OEM · verified

EPA fuel economy20/28/23 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 570 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 570 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP235/50R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q
Engine air filter	1K0129620G
Spark plug	06H905621A alt 06H905601A
Battery	000915089B alt 000915089C
Front wiper blades	8U1998002
Serpentine belt	06J260849D
Thermostat	06H121113B alt 06H121119E
Cabin air filter	1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	172.8 in
Overall width	72 in
Overall height	63.4 in
Wheelbase	102.4 in
Curb weight	3494 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.8 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	58/42

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	20 / 28 / 23 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Q3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2015 Prestige Quattro

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2015	Prestige Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.80 sec	16.10 sec	200 hp	AWD
2016	Premium Plus Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.70 sec	16.10 sec	200 hp	AWD
2016	Prestige S-Line Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.80 sec	16.10 sec	200 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-40 / 5W-30 / 0W-40 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.4 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Engine Coolant	Audi coolant G13 TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity	10.5
Engine Oil	5W-40 · 5W-30 · 0W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 gallons

Engine torques

Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.4 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.2

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Denso
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	17.6-19.04 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.35-4.05 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	570 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	49

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	87
Residual Pressure	44 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	72.5-116 psi
Residual Pressure	43 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	Front: 22.0; Rear: 26 Use; Front: 22; Rear: 26
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 145; Rear: 75 use; Front: 147.5; Rear: 66
ABS Sensor Torque	6.6 / NS
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.354; Rear: 0.315 Specifications
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front w/1LJ and 1ZD:

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

1	29.5 ft. lbs.	29.5 ft. lbs
2	37.0 ft. lbs	37 ft. lbs
3	180 degrees	180 degrees
4	crankcase vent bolt pretighten to 6.0 ft. lbs.	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees	90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 55,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
At 15,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 20,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 35,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate)
Every 40,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate)
At 55,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 75,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2015 Audi Q3 marks a notable uptick in federal complaints (22) compared to the single complaint recorded in 2008, reflecting its first full year in the U.S. market and early owner feedback. While recalls (2) and technical service bulletins (727) are elevated relative to the model’s debut, they remain below the peaks seen in later years—particularly 2016 (28 complaints, 3 recalls) and 2020 (63 complaints, 2 recalls). The 2015 model sits mid-generation in terms of reliability trends, with engine and fuel system complaints (4) emerging as the most frequent issue, though no crash or fire incidents were reported. Subsequent years show fluctuating but generally declining complaint volumes, suggesting Audi addressed some early concerns through TSBs and recalls. The data doesn’t specify root causes, but the 2015’s position—neither the worst nor the most refined—implies moderate risk. **Takeaway: The 2015 Q3 is a reasonable used buy if service records confirm recall and TSB repairs, but later model years (2017–2019) may offer marginally better reliability.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

727

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’08’15’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 22 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System4

Suspension3

Unknown Or Other2

Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Steering,Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control1

Electrical System,Air Bags1

Engine,Air Bags1

Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V642000Electrical System:SoftwareReported 06/09/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected… Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service…

15V200000Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof AssemblyReported 03/04/2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2014, to November 5, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off while the sunroof is closing, the… Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof control module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 727 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_2074640_3	2026-06-26	Engine	This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000…
TSB_2059335_7	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_1	2026-06-10	Engine	This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_6	2026-06-04	Unknown Or Other	This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…
AOS-26-25	2026-05-26	Unknown Or Other	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Q3. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 1K0129620G Spark plug 06H905621A Battery 000915089B

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2015 Q3 take?

5.0 qt of 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-40 meeting Audi specification 502 00 or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2015 Q3 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Q3 get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined mpg.