AUDI Q8 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The engine (internal mechanical failure) malfunctioned. The vehicle developed a persistent ticking/knocking noise from the engine bay, and the authorized Audi dealer diagnosed the issue as requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A catastrophic engine failure presents a risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or engine seizure, which could occur while driving at speed or in traffic. This creates a potential risk of loss of vehicle control, inability to accelerate, or being stranded in unsafe conditions, endangering both the driver and other motorists. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership, which diagnosed the vehicle and stated that a complete engine replacement is required. The estimated repair cost provided by the dealer is approximately $26,000 (so far in parts only). The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Audi dealership. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Audi corporate has been contacted for review. The primary symptom was a persistent ticking noise from the engine bay, which began around late December 2025 / early January 2026. There were no immediate warning lights or dashboard messages at the onset of the noise. The noise progressively worsened, prompting dealer inspection and diagnosis.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to operate. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred the same day while driving from the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the messages "Loss of Power", "Reduced RPMs to 3,000", and other unknown messages were displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Subject: Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering – 2021 Audi Q8 Summary: On 8/5/2025, while driving my 2021 Audi Q8 under normal conditions, the sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a loud popping sound, followed by glass breaking and falling onto the closed sunroof shade. There were no visible signs of impact from external objects, and weather conditions were normal at the time of the incident. The vehicle was not involved in a collision and was being operated safely. This incident created a serious safety hazard, as the loud popping sound once the sunroof ruptured could have cause me to get into an accident. I am also lucky that the sun roof shade was closed or the pieces could have struck me inside my vehicle. I will be contacting insurance and Audi dealership regarding the damage. However, after researching online, I found similar complaints from other Audi owners, suggesting this may be a recurring issue with panoramic sunroofs across multiple models. I am reporting this to the NHTSA because I believe this could indicate a potential defect in the sunroof glass or its installation. I request an investigation into this matter to ensure the safety of other drivers who may be at risk.

Purchased my car used from Volkswagen of west islip. After a few months I was doing regular maintenance when I noticed that the brake sensor was missing and the harness was tampered with. The brake wear sensor was removed from the front driver side and a small price of wire/ conductive material was inserted into the harness to trick the cars system into on seeing the sensor in a safe and working manner. This would prevent the cars system from alerting me when the brakes need to be replaced which could have resulted in resulted in a serious accident due to brake failure. I feel like this was either deliberately done by the dealer before selling the car to save a few dollars or was overlooked during what should have been a basic safety inspection before listing the vehicle for sale. After reaching out to the dealer- they refused to fix the issue.

On April 2, 2025, while driving on Interstate 25, my 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus experienced a catastrophic engine and electrical failure. This included the generator system failing, which resulted in a complete loss of power, disabling all active safety systems (including electronic stability control, braking assist, and lane monitoring), as well as basic driving capabilities such as acceleration and steering responsiveness. The incident occurred without prior warning or diagnostic alerts, and the vehicle became immobile on the highway. The situation posed a serious safety hazard to both myself and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had an unresolved generator recall, which Audi later confirmed and completed after the incident. This event raises significant concerns regarding system reliability and pre-failure alert mechanisms in the Q8 platform.

I had purchases a 2021 Audi Q8 from Carmax on 10/16/2024. There was a time that I was driving at 35 mph in the left lane which I had my signal on to proceed in the turning lane when the car went into park and the crash indicator was on. I was jerked by the force. I also notice when you turn the car on there was a knocking sound. I had taken the vehicle into Westmont Audi on 11/22/2024. They had checked it out and said the noise was normal. I advised them to do a complete inspection on the vehicle while it was under warranty to make sure there was no other issues. They said everything looked great and that there were no codes. They don't know why the car had stopped. They did the 50k inspection as well. After that I start to experience indicator on for Intersection assistant malfunction please contact service, Audi pre sense; currently limited see owner's Manuel, and Rear Cross-Traffic assist: Malfunction, please contact service. At first thought it was normal but then it was persistent. On 2/11/2025 the check engine light had come on. I called the dealer on 2/12/2025 first thing in the morning. They advised me that it will be under warranty. I had dropped the car off to Westmont Audi and we went over the issues the vehicle was having. They informed me that it was under warranty. Once I left, they called and said it will not be covered. According to their investigation its two software that have to be updated. One for the pre sense and other for a misfire. The vehicle drags to pick up speed. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. The vehicle is not safe to drive because it is not 100% working properly the software's along with other issues. Also, I had them do a scan on the vehicle and there were so many codes on which I have attached them. It now will cost over $500.00 in repairs.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain, the automatic braking system sensors engaged. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The driver believed that the vehicle had struck an object. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to repair the sensor, and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The approximate failure mileage was 8,600.

High beam assistant: Malfunction

I wish to report a critical safety issue with our Audi Q8, which experienced a complete electrical failure while traveling at 65 mph on the freeway on [XXX]. The warning indicators transitioned from yellow to red before the vehicle lost all functionality, including turn signals and emergency blinkers, posing a severe risk to my family and other motorists. We managed to coast to the roadside without incident, but the potential for a catastrophic outcome was alarmingly high. Audi has identified the problem as an alternator defect, which is apparently a known issue covered under an extended warranty for Audi Q8 2019-2022 for 7 years unlimited miles. However, the policy to address this defect only upon failure is unacceptable and dangerous. This malfunction could reoccur at any time, significantly endangering everyone on the road. Importantly, we frequently tow an Airstream trailer with our Q8. Had this failure occurred while towing, the consequences could have been disastrous on a large scale, endangering not only our family but also other road users due to the increased risk of a multi-vehicle collision, tipping over of Airstream or the Q8 if hit by vehicle who didn’t The replacement part's minimum of 3-8+ weeks wait time exacerbates our concern, leaving us without a vehicle or ability to use our Airstream which is one reason why we purchased the Audi Q8. I am aware of similar incidents of this failure in SF Bay Area across the past 4-6 months, underscores the need for immediate investigation and action to prevent future occurrences. We frequently travel on challenging routes like [XXX] in California as we own a home in Santa Cruz highlight the urgent need for a reliable vehicle. The thought of such a failure under those circumstances on a routine drive home or while towing, is unthinkable but could have happened to us at anytime. We urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of all Q8 drivers public. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicle recently started to behave uncharacteristically when navigating around the curbs and changing lanes, it feels like you have hit a patch of black ice or an oil slick which I attributed to needing new tires. I purchased new tires according to the vehicle Audi manufacturer specification and had an alignment done on 2/14/2024 as is required for all-wheel drive vehicles. The situation was explained to the Audi South Atlanta Service Desk on 2/14/2024 and was logged as "Customer states that the vehicle stutters/shakes and tires seem to lower when changing lanes & going around light curves. The Customer requested that the lane departure system and other related components be checked to confirm if they are operating as designed." Dealership feedback: "Test drove: vehicle driven 2 miles and operating normally when compared to the same or similar models. No DTC's detected & lane departure system operating properly at the same time. The only noise/feeling felt was coming from the Audit Quattro bind from the all-wheel drive electronic - normal behavior." Despite the Audi Service Dept diagnosis and analysis of the issue reported, the behavior continues and is very unnerving. It seems like the front and rear axles are not in sync with the Audi Quattro Electronic all-wheel drive system. I reported the matter to Audi of America, Inc. Customer Care, Case# 06125039 on 2/21/2024, and would like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be aware of this situation in the event other owners of the Audit Q8 report the matter or this issue results in death or injuries.

Took Audi Q8 in Jan 29 2024 do to 2 indicates one was a low oil, and a week before a Addaptive Lighting Warning came on my vehicle 2x , the following day to Warning light did NOT appear but the Blind Spot/Lane Assist lights did not operate. They were unable to resolve the issue Fault B200FF - TBS 2067531/2 Cleared fault but still do not work.

The alternator on my Audi Q8 SUV died AS I WAS DRIVING IT, leaving my vehicle with no power. I was left to coast down the 50-60 MPH highway I was driving on into a turn lane, where the vehicle stopped and could not be restarted. My safety was put at risk because I was on a highway in a car that stopped operating suddenly and catastrophically. If I had not been able to coast into a turn lane, the car would have left me in a high-speed lane. I waited for a tow truck over two hours, the first hour inside the vehicle, the second outside on a small concrete lane divider. The last hour I spent directing live traffic to slow down and pass my vehicle, which was in the left-turn lane, and whose warning flasher lights had ceased working when the battery was depleted. The vehicle was towed to an Audi service department, where the vehicle was inspected, the failure diagnosed, and the failure corrected by replacing the alternator and recharging the battery. The first symptom of any problem was an error message the evening before when hands-free entry was denied (I had to use my key fob to enter the vehicle instead of placing my hand inside the door handle). Also, the dashboard displayed an error message directing me to contact a service department. In the morning, I called my local Audi service department to report the issue and was given an appointment time for the following morning. I had errands to run, so I took the vehicle on the aforementioned highway, when error messages indicating the loss of availability of various electrical and safety systems (e.g., Lane Departure warning, Lane Assist, Park assist, etc.) began to flash suddenly, one after the other, on my dashboard. The battery icon began glowing first yellow, then red, then flashing between yellow and red. There was one more message about the transmission being in trouble and that I should stop the car safely. At that moment, I lost powered forward propulsion and began to coast, as indicated above.

The alternator was having malfunction in the middle of driving. At first, the system warned and showed" Electric system malfunction" with yellow lights on. As soon as I saw this warning, I drove to the nearest dealership which is about 15 mins drive. Two minutes before my wife and I arrived at the dealership, the car have many red lights warning turned on one by one. The system asked me to stop safely. And the entire system shut off by itself after we arrived at dealership. Luckily, we were able to drove the car to the service department. I can not image what could have happened it the car broke down on the highway. The engine could be completely shuts down. And there is no even no way to turn on the engine and turn on emergency lights.

While driving the 2021 Audi Q8, the warning lights for the Electrical system malfunction & Automatic vehicle starting system: malfunction appeared on the dashboard. My safety and others safety were at risk as this occurred while driving. In reviewing other concerns or complaints this is a reported issue to the Audi dealership. Audi Grapevine Service was immediately notified. Service informed me to do not drive the vehicle and to have it towed in immediately. Audi Grapevine Service also informed me they have 17 other vehicles with the same issue. Vehicle is currently at dealership awaiting diagnosis. There is another reported issue, of knocking noise coming from the vehicle. This was reported to the dealership on 9/25/2023, 26 days after purchasing the vehicle. This was also reported to Audi Customer Care, on 10/12/2023, after the dealership provided no follow-up of repair of issue. Verbal communication from dealership states there is no fix at this time awaiting a fix/follow-up from Audi Manufacturer. Per Audi Grapevine Dealership they've experienced this issue with other Audi Q8.