2019 Audi Q8 Electrical Problems

- 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

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a central locking malfunction warning sign was displayed. The contact stated that later when a rear passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, the door failed to open. The driver’s and passenger’s side rear doors failed to open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure related to Technical Service Bulletin: DTC B14FF29. The vehicle was repaired under Warranty. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed before any assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,800.

NHTSA ID

11595508

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

Mileage

9,800 mi

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 ID

11578605

Incident

Mar 17, 2024

While driving down the freeway to the dealership a electrical system malfunction message came across the display. I continued on to the dealership and suddenly started getting system failures. One by one it popped up and said every single system failure including brakes and steering system malfunctions. Then it said transmission malfunction and I immediately lost all forward propulsion. The engine just revved when I hit the gas. I had to fight my way over to the shoulder where the vehicle came to a stop and would not even let me set the parking brake or engage park. I sat I the vehicle on the freeway between an on ramp and the moving lanes until the tow truck showed up. The failure turned out to be the alternator which I'm told is a very common issue for most audi vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and they replaced the alternator at no charge due to an extended warranty already granted on the failing alternators. The repair was made and vehicle was returned but the same alternator was put into the vehicle that was in it originally as it has not been updated. This created a major safety risk as power was lost while traveling at freeway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11563199

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

Electrical malfunction displayed on dashboard with every system in the car shutting down within seconds. I was stranded on the freeway shoulder. Maybe an issue with the alternator.

NHTSA ID

11560814

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

While driving warning light came on electrical malfunction on highway cat lost all power following a series of light’s indicting multiple malfunction then transmission disengaged I was able to coast to a stop , was unable to get out of vehicle due to car not unlocking

NHTSA ID

11556584

Incident

Nov 22, 2023

Car showed “electrical system malfunction” while driving. Said that the start/stop system failed. Proceeded to say that the rear brake light not functioning while driving, which would pose a safety risk to all drivers and myself.

NHTSA ID

11554725

Incident

Nov 12, 2023

Purchased in 12/22. Electrical System Malfunction was alerted on 11/7/2023. On 11/8/2023 car shut off, and would not start again. Battery is completely dead, and mechanic says it’s an Alternator issue. Part is on international back order for at least 2 months. Audi knows of this issue and is still selling these cars. Will not provide loaner, and has multiple vehicles sitting on lot waiting for part.

NHTSA ID

11554248

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

Alternator/generator failure at 55910 miles

NHTSA ID

11554088

Incident

Nov 7, 2023

While driving the vehicle to work, several warnings came on saying there was a system issue and to pull to a safe spot. The car was pulled off the main traveling lane into a turning lane where it died. The electrical system did not work at all. The hazard lights could not be put on. The prior day the auto stop light came on saying there was a malfunction with that. The dealer was contacted. They said it was fine to drive. The car is currently at the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11552036

Incident

Oct 26, 2023

Electrical malfunction warning light and assorted other warning lights came on during acceleration on highway. Loss of car functions due to error. Car is waiting on parts due to failed belt start generator as part of its 48 volt mild hybrid system.

NHTSA ID

11548778

Incident

Oct 3, 2023

While driving 35 mph car electrical system started to shutdown. Red warning message came on immediately followed by car turning off while in drive and car was moving.

NHTSA ID

11548483

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

I have a 2019 Audi Q8 with 39k miles. I just received an indication stating that an electrical issue has occurred and to contact service maintenance. While on my way home from work with the electrical issue active the air conditioning stopped working which appeared to be unusual. I was able to still drive the vehicle home. I then searched on Google about the issue and read numerous complaints through various forums regarding the issue. Most of these issue were similar to my experience. Also these complaints were around the same year and mileage of my vehicle. Please help to have Audi resolve this issue.

NHTSA ID

11544971

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

Driving vehicle at a low/medium rate of speed, and car completely shut off without warning. Check engine light appeared after restarting the vehicle. This is the second time this has happened to me since November 2022. I filed a report then as well. This car should not be allowed on the road and Audi should be forced to buy it back. The vehicle has less than 35,000 miles. Dealer has not confirmed what the issue is this time.

NHTSA ID

11541673

Incident

Aug 30, 2023

Electrical system malfunction caused the car to come to a stop in the middle of a busy highway. The vehicle needed to be pushed off to the side of the road by other parties as steering became increasingly difficult to navigate to the side of the road. The vehicle was stuck in neutral and could not start the engine to drive again. The vehicle needed to be towed to the closest dealership for further investigation.

NHTSA ID

11534710

Incident

Jul 23, 2023

Car started flashing all kinds of warnings, then cut off and had to coast to the side of the highway. Then could not get out of the car and the entire system was in complete failure so the doors would not open. Absolutely terrifying experience. Audi knows this is a bad issue and it keeps happening to thousands of Audi owners with the mild hybrid system.

NHTSA ID

11528756

Incident

Jun 24, 2023

Electrical malfunction illuminated on the dash than brake malfunction illuminated than the vehicle lost all power no power to windows locks but I was able to roll off an exit and waited for a tow truck to tow to nearest dealer

NHTSA ID

11515694

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

48v mild hybrid system failed, car went completely dead in rush hour traffic putting me and other drivers in danger.

NHTSA ID

11515498

Incident

Apr 4, 2023

November 18, 2022 a warning lamp of electric system problem was displayed. There is no local Audi dealer and I decided to take the vehicle to my local automotive repair shop that does non warranty repair on Audis. I drove approximately 6-8 miles after the light came on and was one half mile from the service technicians when within 300 yards the vehicle became sequentially inoperable. First power steering, then transmission, brakes , ended with engine failure. I was in rush hour traffic and unable to steer off the road so I was blocking traffic near an intersection. My flashers and power windows were all that functioned. The doors were locked. When the tow truck arrived he let me out of the car. I was not injured and the vehicle was not hit either. The vehicle was transported to Audi Beaverton Oregon and now 3 1/2 months later is still there because there are no available starter/generator units available in this country. That unit failed and was the cause for my Audi’s complete shutdown. This was a potentially very dangerous situation and needs to be reported for a recall campaign. I have read that there are thousands of similar failures of the starter/generator systems in the USA and no available parts. I still have no estimate from my Audi Beaverton dealer/sevice supervisor as to when I can expect to get my car repaired and returned to me. They have not provided a loaner vehicle and refuse to cover the full cost of a rental car. I am disappointed in Audi’s level of customer service and communication.

NHTSA ID

11510151

Incident

Nov 18, 2022

2019 Audi Q8. The car is back in the Dealer Shop for almost 2 months. We don't really know what is wrong with the main issue on ALTERNATOR OR 48 V battery problems. And the excuse Service gave us is No ETA on the Parts From Germany. They have new cars coming in and they don't have parts coming in??. We are stuck in the middle, can't trade in or sell our cars. Right now this Q8 is a huge junk without any functional purpose. Some of the owners have been waiting for this fix for 3, 4 months. The government really should step in to find out what is going on on AUDI. It can't be parts shortage. It is some problem what AUDI simply can't fix. AUDI USA is also very unreliable. They direct us to our individual dealer, saying they can't do anything about it. They don't take any responsibly. We have no one to file complaint to.Most of the cars are still in the warranty, it is simply unbelievable.

NHTSA ID

11509071

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

On 12/12/2022 I was driving and the Q8 lost power and I coasted to a stop. All lights on driver panel were flashing or sequencing through. After sitting on the side of the road for 5 or so minutes I tried starting the car again. This time it started and I drove another 8 miles almost to my home when the car again just died in the road. This time I couldn't get it to restart. I had to have it towed to my local garage as my dealership was an hour and fifteen minutes away. The car has been diagnosed with needing an alternator, which no one including the dealerships have because this is a problem with many vehicles. It has now been over two months without my car.

NHTSA ID

11507752

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

In September 2022, I contacted the dealership to schedule my 50k service after observing a yellow battery light indicator flash on and then resolve itself by turning off. The mileage on my Q8 was approximately 44K at this time. I was also experiencing a passenger seatbelt warning issue despite no one in the passenger seat. The soonest the Audi service department could get me scheduled was on February 14, 2023. This has been an issue with Audi service departments at least the past 2 years. Since scheduling, I've experienced the warning issues several times On Thursday, February 2, 2023, I got a flashing yellow battery light in addition to other warnings that flashed on and then off. Because of this, I decided to take my car to the dealership for an emergency service on Friday, February 3, 2023, before traveling out of town the next week. While enroute to the dealership, the instrument panel alerted to an electrical system malfunction by displaying a yellow and then red battery icon. Multiple other warning lights for other systems malfunctioning displayed and the car stopped in traffic. My car was towed to the dealership. Once at the dealer, I was told that this was due to the generator failing and the part is on backorder due to being manufactured in Ukraine. The dealership stated this failure is apparently widespread, citing 56+ cars at this dealership and 100+ at the other with the same issue. Based upon this, the dealership informed me I qualified for the Audi USA buyback program and to contact them for a case number. When I called, I was told I had to wait 10 days to file or have had 3 reported incidents on record. On Februrary 14, 2023, I was told I did not qualify because my car was over 50k at the time it broke down. My mileage is 54,128. The issue began before 50k. I learned from the dealership, I qualify for the buyback because Audi extended the factory warranty on 1/31/2023 to include unlimited miles. I have an audio recording.

NHTSA ID

11507469

Incident

Sep 6, 2022

2019 Q8 with 48 V battery problem which causes the Alternator failing. The car is in shop for a month, without any ETA on parts coming in. Audi knew this issue without any plan B. My shop told me there are cars with same issue sitting in the dealship shop waiting for parts since Oct 2022. Today is Feb 10 2023.

NHTSA ID

11506608

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

System malfunction warning appeared. 5 miles after the warning the car stopped working. Stirring is unresponsive.

NHTSA ID

11504823

Incident

Jan 31, 2022

Got Electrical System Malfunction to start. I called service and they said car was safe to drive. Continued driving got a fault for automatic start/Stop malfunction, followed by: Right lug nut loose Right brake light malfunction Parking brake malfunction Distance indicator malfunction Power Steering malfunction Drive train ,malfunction. Car engine started hesitating and dash went totally blank. Car was hard to steer , luckily I live near the dealership. Dealer said there are 30 cars in their service department with the same problem. I am #3000 on Audis waitlist for parts to fix problem. 48 volt battery and alternator.

NHTSA ID

11503894

Incident

Jan 25, 2023