← New search

2020 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

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Q8 years →

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

Limited mileage data: 4 of 28 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Engine. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

6 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2026
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

I am reporting a recurring problem with the front passenger-side window on my 2020 Audi Q8. This issue began when the vehicle was approximately two years old and has continued intermittently. When attempting to close the front passenger window, the window will sometimes automatically reverse direction and go back down instead of…

Read full complaint

I am reporting a recurring problem with the front passenger-side window on my 2020 Audi Q8. This issue began when the vehicle was approximately two years old and has continued intermittently. When attempting to close the front passenger window, the window will sometimes automatically reverse direction and go back down instead of closing. On September 7, 2026, after the vehicle was parked and turned off, the passenger window lowered and would not close normally. Each time I attempted to raise it, the window would reverse and lower again. I was eventually able to close the window only by repeatedly operating the switch in very small increments until the glass finally reached the fully closed and sealed position. I have previously cleaned the window and window-channel area and attempted to resolve the problem, but the condition continues to return. Because the window can unexpectedly lower and can become extremely difficult or impossible to close normally, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the window regulator, anti-pinch system, door control module, or related software/electrical components. This has been an intermittent problem for several years and is not normal wear or a one-time occurrence. I am reporting it so NHTSA can determine whether other owners of 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles are experiencing similar front-window failures and whether further investigation is warranted.

NHTSA ODI #11762522

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2025
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

I am reporting a safety defect issue that I believe is an alternator recall waiting to happen. While driving with my children, my Audi suffered a sudden, complete electrical failure caused by what I was later told is an alternator defect. The vehicle shut off without warning. At that moment, I lost braking power, the ability to …

Read full complaint

I am reporting a safety defect issue that I believe is an alternator recall waiting to happen. While driving with my children, my Audi suffered a sudden, complete electrical failure caused by what I was later told is an alternator defect. The vehicle shut off without warning. At that moment, I lost braking power, the ability to shift into neutral, and full control of the vehicle’s speed. Because of this defect, I was unable to slow or stop the car safely putting myself, my passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this alternator issue constitutes a recall-worthy safety defect under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

NHTSA ODI #11686773

60,000 miles · Jan 14, 2025
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle independently activated the brakes, and the driver and passenger side seat belts tightened. The contact stated that there was a RED warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had used the left tu…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle independently activated the brakes, and the driver and passenger side seat belts tightened. The contact stated that there was a RED warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had used the left turn signal. The contact stated that failure had occurred 3 other times while making a left turn with the left turn signal engaged. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turn assist intervention safety feature had independently engaged and a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an intermittent failure with the front view and rear-view cameras. The contact stated during the failure, the image on the screen either froze or flickered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11635932

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2023
Electrical System

Basically, when driving, the complete cars looses power and looses all electrical power. When I was making a turn, the car lost power, transmission and steering wheel locked up. Audi power system needs to be reviewed and seemed like the Audi dealership was aware of this incident happening to other customers. Quite dangerous

NHTSA ODI #11560026

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2023
Electrical System

On or about September 19, 2023, I was driving to work when all of a sudden, while I was driving, I received 2 error codes: 1) electrical system maintenance malfunction; and 2) vehicle starting system malfunction. I proceeded driving to work, and when I got there, no problems arose. I contacted Audi dealership to inquire about th…

Read full complaint

On or about September 19, 2023, I was driving to work when all of a sudden, while I was driving, I received 2 error codes: 1) electrical system maintenance malfunction; and 2) vehicle starting system malfunction. I proceeded driving to work, and when I got there, no problems arose. I contacted Audi dealership to inquire about the problems, as I had only bought the vehicle maybe 2 months prior. I was informed that the vehicle cannot be driven, and I need to have it towed to the dealership immediately, as the car would more than likely breakdown and I would be stranded. I started researching the issue and discovered that this is an ongoing issue that has been happening for quite some time. Apparently, Audi has been aware of this issue for YEARS, and has failed to inform consumers or customers because they do not have the parts in stock to do a formal recall. As of this moment, my car is still at the dealer, and I am awaiting confirmation that the issue is the issue with the alternator as it relates to the battery, which is faulty. I have been informed that Audi is aware of the issue and the part has been on back order for quite some time. it could be weeks, if not months, for them to have the part needed to fix the vehicle. I do not have a loaner yet, and getting one has been an extreme pain and inconvenience, but it appears that Audi will do nothing to recall this problem due to the part shortage. I am grateful I discovered the problem when I did, and it did not cause any harm to me or anyone I know. However, there are SO many cars still on the road that this will affect, and it is a safety concern that should be looked into further.

NHTSA ODI #11545716

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2023
Electrical System

I purchased the vehicle as a CPO, two days (1/28/23)and 200 miles later I got a warning”Electrical system malfunction”. I turned the vehicle off/on and the message reappeared every time. I spoke to the dealership they advised that the issue is know to abruptly shut down power to the vehicle at any given time even while driving…

Read full complaint

I purchased the vehicle as a CPO, two days (1/28/23)and 200 miles later I got a warning”Electrical system malfunction”. I turned the vehicle off/on and the message reappeared every time. I spoke to the dealership they advised that the issue is know to abruptly shut down power to the vehicle at any given time even while driving. I had the vehicle towed to the Audi dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11505278

Official recalls

3

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.

20V272000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

May 13, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.

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.