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2019 Audi Q8

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

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.

1 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

32 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Engine

I own a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI that has been regularly maintained and serviced through authorized Audi dealerships. The abnormal engine ticking/knocking did not suddenly begin at 91,000 miles. A similar noise could be heard earlier, but it was not identified by Audi service as an internal engine/piston problem. Because the vehic…

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I own a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI that has been regularly maintained and serviced through authorized Audi dealerships. The abnormal engine ticking/knocking did not suddenly begin at 91,000 miles. A similar noise could be heard earlier, but it was not identified by Audi service as an internal engine/piston problem. Because the vehicle continued to be serviced by Audi, I believed the sound was related to the fuel injectors or normal engine operation. At approximately 91,000 miles, the noise became noticeably worse. At 91,623 miles, Audi San Jose diagnosed the knocking as related to the engine pistons, classified it as requiring “IMMEDIATE ATTENTION,” opened Audi TAC case SF-1690700, and confirmed that all six pistons require replacement. Audi provided a repair estimate of $22,466.21. I have since learned that Audi has acknowledged a piston-skirt issue through an 8-year/80,000-mile limited warranty extension, and I have found numerous owners reporting similar piston knocking/piston-slap and major engine repairs. My vehicle is now beyond the 80,000-mile limit, but the noise existed earlier and was not recognized as a piston problem. Given the vehicle's Audi maintenance history and the failure of all six pistons, I am concerned this represents a premature engine defect rather than normal wear. I am reporting this so NHTSA can investigate similar failures, including those diagnosed after Audi's extended-coverage mileage limit, and the potential risk of major engine damage or loss of propulsion.

NHTSA ODI #11760510

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other

My car is a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0L V6 with only 41,831 miles. My emergency light went on and I brought it my locat Audi Dealer. The inspection revealed that the coolant pump was leaking internally, contaminating the entire vacuum system with coolant. This is not a maintenance failure or the result of owner neglect. It is a well-doc…

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My car is a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0L V6 with only 41,831 miles. My emergency light went on and I brought it my locat Audi Dealer. The inspection revealed that the coolant pump was leaking internally, contaminating the entire vacuum system with coolant. This is not a maintenance failure or the result of owner neglect. It is a well-documented, inherent design defect in the EA839 3.0T engine platform that powers the 2019 Q8, a defect that Audi of America has acknowledged through multiple Technical Service Bulletins. Specifically, the EA839 water pump uses a vacuum-operated diaphragm to control coolant flow. When the pump's internal seals fail — as they predictably do — coolant migrates directly into the engine's vacuum system, contaminating components far beyond the pump itself. Industry experts and Audi forums alike describe this failure mode as inevitable on this platform: not a matter of if, but when. This is a design defect manifesting at a fraction of the mileage at which any reasonable owner would expect a cooling system component to fail. Audi of America has issued multiple TSBs addressing coolant pump failures on this exact engine platform, and previously extended warranty coverage for Q7 and Q8 vehicles, including those built during the same production window as the vehicle in question. Our concern is this issue can cause the engine to seize while driving and Audi's repair costs for this known issue have been quoted minimally at $5,519.76

NHTSA ODI #11736636

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2026
Engine

I own a 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle was in the dealership’s possession for approximately three (3) weeks for service. During that time, I was not informed of any significant mechanical concerns or issues. After retrieving the vehicle, it displayed an oil pressure warning while in operation. I immediately returned the vehicle to t…

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I own a 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle was in the dealership’s possession for approximately three (3) weeks for service. During that time, I was not informed of any significant mechanical concerns or issues. After retrieving the vehicle, it displayed an oil pressure warning while in operation. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. At that time, the dealership added oil (“topped off” the vehicle) and released it back to me without identifying or addressing the underlying cause of the warning. Following this, I made multiple attempts to have the vehicle properly diagnosed. I experienced difficulty obtaining assistance, including calls being disconnected, and I was not provided meaningful support or a thorough evaluation of the issue. Shortly after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began producing abnormal knocking noises and rapidly became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be towed. This situation presents a significant safety concern, as a sudden loss of power or drivability while driving can increase the risk of an accident, particularly in traffic conditions where maintaining speed is necessary. The condition has since been confirmed by a service provider as a major mechanical failure. Additionally, I have received documentation from the manufacturer indicating a known issue related to piston skirt defects associated with this vehicle. Despite the vehicle being in the dealership’s possession for an extended period, this issue was not identified, diagnosed, or addressed. I was also not provided clear assistance or guidance regarding potential warranty consideration related to this known issue. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11734916

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2026
Engine

Piston slap issues. The manufacturer is aware of the engine failure issues. They extended the engine warranty coverage from 50k to 80k miles knowing that the engine piston slap is an extreme issue but they won’t issue a total and complete recall. Owners have to identify that issue and have to specifically bring it in to have it …

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Piston slap issues. The manufacturer is aware of the engine failure issues. They extended the engine warranty coverage from 50k to 80k miles knowing that the engine piston slap is an extreme issue but they won’t issue a total and complete recall. Owners have to identify that issue and have to specifically bring it in to have it bore scoped. If an owner isn’t aware of the noise and goes over the 80k miles then they are not held responsible for the complete and utter engine destruction.

NHTSA ODI #11715703

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2025
Engine

I was having noise from engine and and I received a letter from extended warranty for an production defect in piston skirt. I sent my car for an evaluation in the Audi of Manhattan and I was told that my car falls under the engine piston skirt defect.i have the pictures from Audi Manhattan inspection that the engine piston walls…

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I was having noise from engine and and I received a letter from extended warranty for an production defect in piston skirt. I sent my car for an evaluation in the Audi of Manhattan and I was told that my car falls under the engine piston skirt defect.i have the pictures from Audi Manhattan inspection that the engine piston walls have scratches.i was denied coverage under extension warranty because my car was over 1752 mile over the extension warranty.this is and production engine defect and can be stranded any time soon in the high way or any other street putting me and My family in danger and any other people driving around my car if that engine stops in the middle of the street. My car has 81752 miles and the extension warranty was up to 80000 mile or 8 years. The extension warranty came to late almost after 6 years ,as this is an known problem with those engines EA839 that is found in audis Porsche VW Tuareg ect.

NHTSA ODI #11698834

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

engine begin to misfire and felt like it was ready to stall. within a minute of the misfiring the engine light came on. i was in the middle of highway struggling to get my vehicle to the dealership where purchased which thankfully was only 5mins away. tech heard noise coming from fuel pump near the engine and recommended replaci…

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engine begin to misfire and felt like it was ready to stall. within a minute of the misfiring the engine light came on. i was in the middle of highway struggling to get my vehicle to the dealership where purchased which thankfully was only 5mins away. tech heard noise coming from fuel pump near the engine and recommended replacing along with spark plug. after replacing tech advised me to take my vehicle to audi to perform a software update that will correct the misfire and prevent the MIL from illuminating. Got that done to only be presented with a knocking noise again a month or two later. Took my car back to Audi to run a full diagnostic to find out my engine is in early engine failure due to metal shavings in the oil filter. tech states shavings in the oil could originate from the fuel pump failure and the debris would have traveled into the engine oil causing critical damage to the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11688191

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2025
Engine

being quality Engineer, why is this thing failing , and why are there no recalls? Amazing how they design these things to fail right at 50k miles. From what I hear, the audi's are notorious for not making these replacements simple and specialized tools are needed. I wouldn't change anything engine related unless you have issues…

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being quality Engineer, why is this thing failing , and why are there no recalls? Amazing how they design these things to fail right at 50k miles. From what I hear, the audi's are notorious for not making these replacements simple and specialized tools are needed. I wouldn't change anything engine related unless you have issues like engine shaking, or rattling sounds stemming from the engine mounts. And if you get major work done, it is probably best to go to the dealers and pay the extra to make sure it will be taken care of properly! numerous same issues engine mounts after 50k MIles

NHTSA ODI #11669188

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The alternator failed causing the vehicle to shutdown in the middle of traffic. I was on a surface road not the highway so I was able to get local police to assist. When it failed there was no car electrical system function, so I could not even turn on my emergency blinkers. This is apparently very common on Audis, as the same …

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The alternator failed causing the vehicle to shutdown in the middle of traffic. I was on a surface road not the highway so I was able to get local police to assist. When it failed there was no car electrical system function, so I could not even turn on my emergency blinkers. This is apparently very common on Audis, as the same part was used to replace the alternator…. It took a month for the dealership to get the part in stock.

NHTSA ODI #11582506

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

I was driving home from work when all of a sudden I got error messages: Electrical system malfunction! Please contact service; Start/ stop system: malfunction! Function unavailable. Please contact Service, yellow battery light and the car died. None of the safety features, locks, engine, or air condition worked and the car had …

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I was driving home from work when all of a sudden I got error messages: Electrical system malfunction! Please contact service; Start/ stop system: malfunction! Function unavailable. Please contact Service, yellow battery light and the car died. None of the safety features, locks, engine, or air condition worked and the car had to be towed to the dealership. Within 1 mile of the lights appearing the car died, putting my safety and those on the road at risk. I left in the middle of the street and had it towed a few hours later. I spoke to the dealership and was diagnosed and confirmed as a alternator- starter-generator issue and reading the Audi threads it is a common issue. The car has about 38,000 miles. I am the second owner and have had the car for less than 6 months and it has been well maintained.

NHTSA ODI #11578605

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

May 19th water pump cooling system pump my wife driving right on a highway on a left lane car start streaming and engines suddenly shut off thank God she make it to the left on hwy we throw the car to dealer they says engine went because of water went to engine and after that I have a big issue with the dealers and everything ev…

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May 19th water pump cooling system pump my wife driving right on a highway on a left lane car start streaming and engines suddenly shut off thank God she make it to the left on hwy we throw the car to dealer they says engine went because of water went to engine and after that I have a big issue with the dealers and everything even my insurance pay for the new engine and everything and this is the issue a woman driving this car this is so much risk audi not doing anything about it

NHTSA ODI #11550858

Official recalls

5

26V125000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.