RoadVitals

2020 Audi Q8 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
26
Latest Jun 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
8
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q8, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine826.7%
  • Fuel system620.0%
  • Driver assistance516.7%
  • Electrical516.7%
  • Steering26.7%
  • Powertrain (other)26.7%
  • Body & structure13.3%
  • Brakes13.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine failed at 78,990 from an manufacturer defect that Audi knows about for the last couple of years. Audi extended warranty due to the failure to 8 years or 80K miles. The engines can lock up due to a piston failure in the scored cylinder walls causing a crash. Oil consumption is very high causing vehicle to burn oil and not pass smoke test. Please investigate these engine failure and manufacturer defects with this engine in multiple vehicles 3.0L turbo gas engine thanks

NHTSA ID 11712895 · filed Jan 23, 2026

Water pump failed coolant leaked all over the vehicle five years old and a $7500 repair vacuum seals and most of the engine is damaged from the coolant. I have the video from the dealership but can’t upload

NHTSA ID 11693465 · filed Oct 14, 2025
All 8 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the soonest repair appointment available is in October 2023.

NHTSA ID 11519110 · filed Apr 26, 2023

Recall has been open since the middle of last year. Defective part represents potential fire risk Dealer says they dont know when they will have the part to repair my car Manufacturers says no parts are available yet and they dont know when they will have them. This is not credible or reasonable. This vehicle is still in production and they are prioritizing sale of new vehicles over repair of existing safety issues

NHTSA ID 11515036 · filed Apr 2, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a severe safety hazard on my 2020 Audi Q8 directly caused by the software update for NHTSA Recall 25V900 (Audi 90TV). The recall shows as "completed" on my VIN, but it left the vehicle with an active driver assistance defect that did not exist before. No accident has occurred, but there is a severe risk of a crash. Following the recall, the Audi Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring) behavior changed dangerously. When I signal a lane change while a vehicle is in my blind spot, the mirror LEDs blink only 3 times and then return to a solid, dim state—even though the vehicle is still actively there. If you miss that brief 3-blink window, the dim LED falsely implies the lane is clear. This has caused 3 separate highway close calls (no crash occurred) where I almost merged into a vehicle because the warning period is inadequately short. This defect followed a catastrophic failure during the recall execution. I dropped the car at Audi Chantilly on Jan 13, 2026. When picked up on Jan 29, the lane-keep assist was broken (bouncing the vehicle left and right between lanes) and an SOS malfunction light was on. It took the dealer over 2 additional months to "fix" the corrupted camera/localization modules, finally returning the car in early April. While the major module errors are gone, the underlying side assist logic remains broken and hazardous. Because of a bitter, 3-month waiting experience where the vehicle was degraded, I do not trust Audi Chantilly to fix this. I need guidance on how to compel Audi to investigate this post-recall software defect and allow me to have it corrected at a different dealership.

NHTSA ID 11743298 · filed Jun 10, 2026

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 ID 11635932 · filed Jan 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11686773 · filed Sep 11, 2025

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 ID 11635932 · filed Jan 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the curb and dirt. After the crash, the vehicle was undrivable and was towed to the dealer. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. Prior to the crash the passenger side air pressure monitoring system would randomly become activated. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,500.

NHTSA ID 11450839 · filed Feb 7, 2022

Many times my 2020 SQ8 instrument pannel lights up , even just pulling out of my garage , and indicates that my RIGHT Front Tire is low/ or flat ( low tire warning ) and to check Right passenger side for damage .??? . ( each time (10-20 times ) this has happened and i discover NO Flat tire or Damage ). On June 16 , 2020 while driving in traffic the instrument pannel lights up and shows the same message as above mentioned . About 30 seconds later, the Audi pulls hard to the Right jumps the curb and crashes the car . The Driver is Emotionally hurt & upset but is able to call Triple A as the entire right front of the Audi is completely damage with a turbo charger laying on the ground and part of the front missing or smashed --!!! The car looks Totaled !! Major damage to the car . It Still in AutomotiveREPAIR shop getting repaired after being there for over 19 weeks so far . Got an initial check for over $ 26k from my insurance company but now am told the Frame Could be bent as the pannels do not line up correctly . What an absolute Mess - !! This terrible acident was NOT my fault !! The Audi served to the Right- without me even turning the wheel. ( I should have been Killed). The Audi SQ8 was towed to the Repair Shop where I reported the malfunction of the sterring wheel. The repair Manager said " that I would have to call Audi and that he could do nothing about the problem ." I called Audi the Next Day and they said they could Not do anything about it also . So i goggled the Audi website and found this - --" NHTSA Warns you could lose Steering control in some more Audi's SQ 8 SUV's which has prompted Audi to recall certain 2020 SQ 8- as in some cases could cause a crash. !! The bolt connecting the steering shaft could losen . The total units affected to be around 228 according to NHTSA. Recall of SQ 8's is expected to begin arround May 15 , 2020. Question call 800-253-2834 or NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1 - 88& 327 4236.

NHTSA ID 11438589 · filed Oct 29, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11686773 · filed Sep 11, 2025

THE VEHICLE'S START STOP SYSTEM OR TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLUGGISH LEADING TO VARIOUS BOUTS OF HESITATION ESPECIALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COASTING AT A SLOW SPEED AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT FROM A LEFT TURN LANE AND HAVING THE CAR HESITATE FOR WHAT FELT LIKE A SECOND OR TWO WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH IF SOMEONE WAS COMING IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.

NHTSA ID 11365737 · filed Oct 22, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

- Problem: Locking system malfunctions leaving at least one door in an unlocked state. The door(s) can be opened while the ignition is on and the car is not in park or when the car is parked with the ignition off. - Safety risks: Carjacking, bodily harm, death, theft of vehicle or its contents. - Problem has been confirmed by a dealer and manufacturer. - Vehicle has been serviced multiple times between July 2021 and July 2022 in an attempt to fix the problem. - Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem appeared at time of failure. No warning lamps, etc. PRIOR to the failure.

NHTSA ID 11479474 · filed Aug 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11686773 · filed Sep 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .