2019 Audi Q8

I am reporting a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine system malfunctions that have ultimately resulted in complete engine shutdown while driving. The first incident occurred when the vehicle would not start and displayed an “Engine System Malfunction” warning. I was able to get the vehicle operational and bring it to the dealership, where the fuel pump was replaced. Just three days after the repair, the same problem returned, requiring the vehicle to be towed back to the dealership. The dealership cleared the diagnostic code and kept the vehicle for approximately three weeks before returning it to me, stating that the issue had been resolved. A few days after receiving the vehicle back, the malfunction occurred again. This time, the engine completely shut off while I was driving at highway speeds. This created an extremely dangerous situation, as the sudden loss of engine power at highway speeds presents a significant risk of a crash, particularly in traffic or while attempting to maneuver out of danger. The vehicle is currently completely inoperable, and the underlying issue remains unresolved despite multiple dealership visits and attempted repairs. I am concerned that this recurring malfunction represents a significant safety defect that could affect other Audi Q8 owners. The possibility of an engine unexpectedly shutting down while traveling at highway speeds presents an unacceptable safety risk. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and investigated to determine the underlying cause and whether other vehicles may be affected.

NHTSA ID

11775508

Incident

Oct 3, 2026

NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2019 Audi Q8 Prestige, 3.0L Turbocharged V6 I am reporting a serious engine defect involving piston damage and cylinder wall scoring in my 2019 Audi Q8 Prestige equipped with the 3.0L turbocharged EA839 engine. Audi of America has previously acknowledged a piston-skirt concern affecting certain vehicles equipped with this engine and issued U82 warranty-extension letters to affected consumers, extending piston-skirt coverage to 8 years or 80,000 miles. Despite this known concern, my vehicle has developed significant internal engine damage requiring major repairs. I initially reported an abnormal engine knocking noise to an authorized Audi dealership during the original factory warranty period, at approximately 47,000 miles. The dealership advised me that this noise was normal and did not correct the underlying condition. On August 25, 2026, at approximately 78,910 miles, I again contacted Audi regarding the engine concern. The earliest available dealership appointment was September 7, 2026. By the time the vehicle was inspected, its mileage had exceeded the 80,000-mile warranty-extension threshold. Audi Loves Park subsequently confirmed piston-related engine noise and cylinder wall scoring affecting cylinders 4 through 6. The dealership determined that substantial internal engine repairs were necessary. The primary safety concern is the possibility of catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving. Continued operation with damaged pistons and scored cylinders could result in additional engine damage, engine seizure, or stalling, creating a significant collision risk during highway driving, merging, or passing.

NHTSA ID

11771417

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

Engine overheated and dash warning light did not illuminate until coolant was completely overheated. i followed the light, pulled off the road and let the engine idle until the light when away as directed and proceeded to drive approx 10 miles total distance to work from first warning light to full engine failure with electrical system failure due to being melted and three of my cylinders were misfiring. Audi states i need a full engine replacement at my expense and is not taking ownership of failed warning system. Engine for car quoted 25-30k for replacement. total car value with approx. 80k miles is 17k. Absolutely ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11766823

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

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 ID

11760510

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

I have experienced multiple events in which the there is a central locking system malfunction which renders the fob, door lock button, and at times, the door handle nonfunctional and effectively traps occupants in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11742553

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

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 ID

11736636

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

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 ID

11734916

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

- Vehicle: 2019 Audi Q8, VIN [XXX] - Recall: Campaign 25V900 (90TV), Rearview Camera Software - Dealer: Audi Marin, 700 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael CA, BAR# XXX - What happened: Recall attempted April 1, 2026. Technician logged Error 005A — communication failure with front driver assistance — on RO #XXX. Vehicle returned with rearview camera non-functional and driver assistance systems unavailable. - Current status: Dealer claims recall was performed. Rearview camera remains non-functional. The specific defect the recall addresses is present in the vehicle. - Dealer conduct: Dealer is attempting to charge $345 diagnostic fee for damage introduced during the recall attempt, claiming fault is pre-existing. No documentation supports pre-existing claim. Dealer's own intake inspection (January 15) recorded systems as functional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731959

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).

This bulletin provides information when the DTC P0C2A00 or U028700 is stored regarding the auxiliary hydraulic pump.

This bulletin provides information when the air spring symbol is illuminated; DTC U112100 or C1260F0.

This bulletin proides service information when there is a prompt to take over the steering wheel (hands off detection).

This bulletin provides information when the starter battery is discharged or malfunctioning.

This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi pressense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake engagement.