2024 Audi Q8 Brakes Problems

While operating my 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron at 30 mph, I attempted to slow the vehicle to make a turn. Upon pressing the brake pedal, the regenerative braking system failed to engage properly, and the expected deceleration did not occur. The brake pedal felt very soft and the vehicle continued to move forward with nearly no braking force, despite significant pressure being applied to the pedal. The failure appears to be a total malfunction of the 'brake blending' system—the critical handover between the electric regenerative system and the hydraulic friction brakes. Even as a secondary safety measure, the hydraulic brakes failed to provide adequate stopping power. This resulted in a significantly extended deceleration distance that nearly caused a collision. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard prior to this event, making the failure sudden and unpredictable. Please note that this happened shortly after driving 10 miles on a very hilly road and extensively using paddle shifters while driving downhill to force battery charging. The breaks continued to have issues for the next 2h of driving and didn't work as expected for about 60% of the time. The next day, I tried driving short distance and was not able reproduce the problem. This happened on March 21, 2026 between hours of 2 and 4pm.

NHTSA ID

11726513

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

Brake rotors warped around 33k miles under standard operating conditions. Manufacturer refused to replace under warranty. On an EV, this is completely unacceptable mileage to replace brakes (should last 70-100k or more). Research shows others with this model encountering similar issues. There must be a defect with these rotors.

NHTSA ID

11722250

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

Two years of break issues where the breaks shudder badly on and off - whole breaking system was replaced and problem still occurs to the point my wife won't drive the car because of the shuddering - audi deny the problem even though they replaced all the braking system - its a well known design fault - Audi has to take responsibility!

NHTSA ID

11720162

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Whenever the physical brakes are engaged during daily "brake cleaning" during the first mile of driving, or whenever the regenerative brakes do not engage, or when the physical brakes are engaged under heaving braking where the regenerative braking system's braking capacity is exceeded, the vehicle shudders as the brakes grip and slip. When inspected by Audi of Mendham, the service technician noted the rotors were "warped" and had "debris build-up". Despite the vehicle performing daily "brake cleaning", the build-up has remained. Despite normal use of the vehicle over the past 22,000 miles over two years, the rotor have warped causing inconsistent brake pressure to be applied. Under heavy braking where the regenerative system is exceeded, this could cause the vehicle to swerve due to uneven brake pressure being applied across the four wheels.

NHTSA ID

11703951

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

I have experienced a persistent brake vibration issue since I first acquired my 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron in December 2023. The vehicle has required two full brake rotor and pad replacements within 12,000 miles, which is highly abnormal and suggests a fundamental defect in the braking system. Audi North Miami acknowledged the issue and replaced the rotors and pads under warranty in October 2024. However, just four months later (February 2025), the exact same issue reoccurred, and now Audi is refusing to cover the repairs, claiming it is normal wear and tear. Brakes are a critical safety component, and the fact that a luxury SUV requires two full brake replacements in such a short period raises serious concerns about engineering defects or improper installation. This defect increases stopping distances and affects braking performance, putting the driver, passengers, and others at risk. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether the Audi Q8 e-tron braking system is defective and if other consumers have reported similar failures. This is a serious safety issue that should not be ignored."

NHTSA ID

11643025

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

I was approaching an intersection with my left hand turn signal on and there were no cars oncoming and none behind me. As I went to turn the car slammed to a stop and I couldn't turn. I thought someone slammed into the back of me. The cars that were on the sides of the car at the traffic lights were alarmed as well. I had to back up and wait at the light. It was so dangerous, if the other cars weren't paying attention someone would have t-boned me and who knows what would have happened. My back and neck especially hurt for a few days. I immediately called the dealer and they said they never heard of that happening. I went through the car system and was able to turn off the pre sense, assuming that is what it is. It then happened AGAIN to my husband driving the car in the middle of an intersection making a left hand turn a week later. Someone almost hit him. This is a terribly unsafe program in the car. It is going to cause a bad accident. I don't know if there is a malfunction in my car or what but I don't feel safe driving this new car and I just signed a lease.

NHTSA ID

11640208

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

On 3 separate occasions the vehicle has abruptly stopped while making a left turn endangering our lives. The pre-sense automatic braking malfunctions and stops the vehicle as we begin a left turn. The turn signal is engaged and the car incorrectly determines it needs to perform an emergency braking action. The only oncoming traffic is 200 yards or more away. In addition the lane keeping assistance on the vehicle in many cases also malfunctions abruptly steering the car into a left hand turn lane. We reported the issues to Audi service and they took no action other than informing us of some update coming in 2025.

NHTSA ID

11638317

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

Complaint Regarding Brake Safety Issue – 2024 Audi e-tron Q8 Launch Edition Under Warranty While driving my 2024 Audi e-tron Q8 Launch Edition, I encountered an accident ahead and had to brake hard. As I applied the brakes, the entire car began to shake violently, nearly causing me to lose control. Prior to this incident, I had already experienced pulsating braking at lower speeds, which made the vehicle feel unsafe. After the incident, I noticed that the car no longer brakes evenly, even at low speeds. I brought the vehicle to Rusnak Audi Service Department, where Service Advisor Jorge Canul initially stated that the issue was "normal" and attributed it to the front motor. When I expressed concerns about safety and requested further investigation, I was later informed that the issue was related to the rotors. Despite the fact that my vehicle is under the Audi factory warranty and Audi-paid maintenance program, I was told that Audi does not cover rotor replacements, even though the rotors show minimal wear and the original brake pads still have 95% remaining life. Additionally, my own research online revealed that numerous other owners of the 2024 Audi e-tron Q8 Launch Edition have reported similar braking issues, raising further concerns about a potential widespread defect. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the braking issue poses a serious safety risk and should be addressed under warranty, as it affects the vehicle's ability to operate safely under emergency braking conditions. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

NHTSA ID

11638315

Incident

Nov 12, 2024