2019 Audi Q8

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

Due to a leak in the rear axle that is connected to the differential, it caused the entire differential to fail. The bearing within the differential completely failed due to contaminated oil. The Q8s are known to have this occur but only in year models 2020-2022. My Q8 is a 2019 and Audi is aware of these issues given technical service bulletins available but doesnt want to take responsibility as this may be a continuing manufacturing issue arising. My vehicle only has 65k miles on it and Audi admits this is rare. Due to a misdiagnosis in June of 2025 (oil leak), Audi of Seaside Monterey caused the complete failure of the differential in December of 2025 by not doing a deeper diagnosis earlier to resolve the catastrophic failure. This is a safety concern and very expensive. A new differential costs $12k which has been expected to pay with no accountability. I am currently in an active case with Audi Seaside and the BAR to come to a resolution.

NHTSA ID

11711877

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

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 ID

11698834

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.

This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.