2019 Audi Q8

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

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 ID

11715703

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

Dash Delamination: The leather dashboard is experiencing severe delamination and pulling away from the substrate, specifically in the area surrounding the passenger-side airbag. I believe this condition poses two significant safety risks: Airbag Interference: The detached and warped material may obstruct, delay, or alter the deployment path of the passenger-side airbag during a collision. Visibility and Distraction: This is a material defect, not wear and tear, and it poses a potential safety concern due to the reflection/glare on the windshield, as well as the distraction it causes while driving. Audi has acknowledged this "process weakness" and issued a Limited Warranty Extension (AWA-23-11) for 2019-2020 Q8 models. Despite this, my request for a safety-related repair was denied due to over 80K. The issue should be considered under mileage. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this defect to determine if it constitutes a safety non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as the structural integrity of the dashboard is vital for proper airbag performance. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring the safety of this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11711962

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

This bulletin provides service infomraiton regardin gthe identifaction of noises with dynamic steering.

This bulletin provides service information when thre are engine noises in the vehicle interior.

This bulletin provides information when the steering wheel clicks when it is adjusted vertically.

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.

This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.