The Generator (Part #: 4N0903028P) failed causing the car to shutoff while driving. This is a known issue by Audi as it has issued a TSB. Further steps must be taken by the OEM to ensure safe operation of the vehicle by its owners. This is a safety issue that must be resolved soonest!
2019 Audi Q8
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Q8 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
34 reports with mileage · 74 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
43 reportsVehicle lost all power and control while driving 45mph. First electrical system failure warning came on. Within 2 minutes the transmission slipped into neutral and 15 seconds later the vehicle lost power and I coasted to a stop. I was told by Audi dealership service that the starter generator failed. They mentioned they curr…
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Vehicle lost all power and control while driving 45mph. First electrical system failure warning came on. Within 2 minutes the transmission slipped into neutral and 15 seconds later the vehicle lost power and I coasted to a stop. I was told by Audi dealership service that the starter generator failed. They mentioned they currently have over 20 vehicles in their shop and over 25 at their other location with the same problem. They also said over 1,000 cars nationwide had same problem and the part to repair is back ordered and no reasonable estimate of repair time.
Critical Failure - Alternator/48v Generator Issue in Audi Q8 Prestige. By now, I am well aware that the problem I'm experiencing is in the top 25 repair issues for Audi and currently there are 15,000 cars affected in the United States according to my dealer, waiting for these parts. Out of nowhere while driving on an interstate,…
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Critical Failure - Alternator/48v Generator Issue in Audi Q8 Prestige. By now, I am well aware that the problem I'm experiencing is in the top 25 repair issues for Audi and currently there are 15,000 cars affected in the United States according to my dealer, waiting for these parts. Out of nowhere while driving on an interstate, at a high speed I got all mix of signals and the amount of time to react between the first sign that something is going wrong to the "stop operating the vehicle and pull over to the side message" and vehicle shut down, without ability to start is within just few minutes from each other. First I get a random battery error message. Battery light had popped on the dash panel. Then, system malfunction message, the whole array of different malfunctions. Noticed odd things like the auto start/stop not enabled and about 10 others error messages in regards to every system in the car. Then the speed sign sensor wasn't working, like limp mode, then the lane departure went, then the traction control system went, then the transmission something went off. I couldn't possibly make it to the dealer from that point, it was only few minutes and It told me to pull over to the side. Car would not start again, the panel wouldn't light up and only weird stuff, like windows would go up and down as I try to start the vehicle. Had to tow vehicle to the dealer (Car is still under the original warranty). Was notified that the alternator is out and needs to be replaced. There is more to it, that part is on the back order all across the US and there is no estimate on when they're going to get it. No solution been provided and every dealership in the State has multiple vehicles awaiting for this same part.
alternator failed, multiple electrical/ computer systems shut down, eventually left me stranded.
Driving down the road when sensors stopped working. Car read electrical system malfunction and engine shut down. Had to coast to the shoulder. This is a known safety issue, and should be completely recalled.
48v Starter Generator went bad. Vehicle shut down on the high way. I have been without my car for nearly a month as the part is on back order, and there is no ETA for the part.
Electric System Mal Function. The Car was flashing all signals. It asked to pull over and said there is a danger of car turning over. We called audi assistance. The tow truck driver could not load the car as the wheels were all locked up.
While driving, all the warnings came on the dash. "Electrical Malfunction", "Child seat belt malfunction", "Start/ stop malfunction", "Steering Wheel malfunction" "Power Brake malfunction" and when I came to a stop, the car completely stopped. I could not put it into neutral to push it out of the road so my car blocked a lane on…
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While driving, all the warnings came on the dash. "Electrical Malfunction", "Child seat belt malfunction", "Start/ stop malfunction", "Steering Wheel malfunction" "Power Brake malfunction" and when I came to a stop, the car completely stopped. I could not put it into neutral to push it out of the road so my car blocked a lane on a highway making it very dangerous. 2 service reps from 2 different Audi dealerships have confirmed that is this a known defect with the v48 generator/ alternator
An "Electrical System Malfunction" warning, check engine light and the battery light came on. Was informed to notify service. Few hours later multiple system failure started to appear. Dashboard went dark and I was unable to tell the speed of the vehicle. The window rolled down on it is own. After coming to a stop the vehicle wa…
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An "Electrical System Malfunction" warning, check engine light and the battery light came on. Was informed to notify service. Few hours later multiple system failure started to appear. Dashboard went dark and I was unable to tell the speed of the vehicle. The window rolled down on it is own. After coming to a stop the vehicle was unable to start again. Dealer informed me the "affected parts" are being ordered. No further updates were available.
I was driving yesterday on a highway and the car completely shut down. Got stranded in the left lane with 4 kids in the car - could have been killed. I had previously brought the car into the dealer for a fuel pump related issue. Apparently there is a recall but they don't even have the part to fix it.
Official recalls
526V125000 · Lane Departure:software
Mar 4, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
25V900000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Dec 19, 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
22V516000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 20, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
20V149000 · Steering
Mar 16, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
19V114000 · Suspension:front:shock Absorber
Feb 20, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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