Total Complaints
34 filings
AUDI Q8 · model year
34 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020AUDIQ8 carries 34 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 Q8 is engine with 7 filings, followed by electrical system (5) and fuel/propulsion system (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2020 Q8. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
34 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 7 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 2 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 1 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: OIL COOLER | 1 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
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
My cameras are not working sometimes. I received a recall notification on my app regarding backup camera. I did a software update at the dealer audi of queens on 1/6/26. Cameras were working fine for a week, but now I started having issues again.
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 canât upload
Catastrophic engine failure on Audi Q8 3.0L turbo. Per service manager it a know issue and Audi just sent out a letter extending engine warranty to 80,000 miles. Per Audiworld forum Audi is replacing some engines and charging some owners $27,000 Audi needs to be investigated and held accountable for people that have faulty engines and can make the car crash when engine locks up
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 vehicleâs 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.
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 vehicleâs 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.
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 vehicleâs 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.
The vehicle is a 2020 model with less than 55k miles and experienced coolant leaks. Specifically, the water pump was faulty and leaked causing coolant liquid to leak in additional lines and gaskets. The repairs resulted into costs upwards of $5k. When I first brought into dealer, the service rep mentioned that the fluctuating coolant lines wouldnât be an issue but I further pressed them on doing a pressure test to which the issue was discovered. This is a huge safety problem if my engine was to overheat or face and other issues on the leak. Iâve never heard of a water pump going bad so quickly.
- The water pump failed, leading to a coolant leak and potential engine overheating. The failed component is not available for inspection, as it was replaced by an independent repair shop after the dealership quoted an excessive price and could not complete the repair in a timely manner. - A failing water pump can cause engine overheating, sudden power loss, or complete engine failure while driving, which increases the risk of an accident. Additionally, I noticed the smell of coolant inside the cabin, which could indicate a leak that might pose a fire hazard or expose occupants to coolant fumes. - Yes, the issue was diagnosed by an Audi dealership (Audi Northlake), which confirmed that the water pump had failed and needed replacement. Due to their high repair quote and scheduling delays, I had the repair completed at an independent service center, which also confirmed the failure and replaced the water pump. - The issue was confirmed by an Audi dealership but was not formally inspected
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.
Mileage: 60,000
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.
Mileage: 60,000
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.
Mileage: 60,000
The door locking on the Audi Q8 is consistently malfunctioning, indicating either open doors or locked doors that can still be opened. This poses an urgent safety risk as it increases the potential for theft and unauthorized access to the vehicle, jeopardizing the safety of occupants and their belongings. The malfunction must be addressed immediately to prevent further safety hazards. The malfunction compromises the safety of occupants, especially children, who could potentially open the doors while the car is locked. This increases the risk of accidents and theft, posing a serious threat to everyone's safety. Urgent action is required to rectify this issue and ensure the security of the vehicle. The problem with the central locking system in the Audi Q8 has been widely reported in the Audi community and forums, yet Audi has failed to acknowledge it as a widespread issue. This negligence puts the safety of Q8 owners at risk and must be addressed promptly to prevent any further incid
Rear back up camera and 360 cameras do not work consistently and result in difficulty in backing up the car without complete visibility. This issue is subject to recall on 2021 and 2022 models but not on 2020. I wonder why this isnât being addressed properly by Audi and NHTSA
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil needed to be topped off frequently. The Check Oil warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
Basically, when driving, the complete cars looses power and looses all electrical power. When I was making a turn, the car lost power, transmission and steering wheel locked up. Audi power system needs to be reviewed and seemed like the Audi dealership was aware of this incident happening to other customers. Quite dangerous
On or about September 19, 2023, I was driving to work when all of a sudden, while I was driving, I received 2 error codes: 1) electrical system maintenance malfunction; and 2) vehicle starting system malfunction. I proceeded driving to work, and when I got there, no problems arose. I contacted Audi dealership to inquire about the problems, as I had only bought the vehicle maybe 2 months prior. I was informed that the vehicle cannot be driven, and I need to have it towed to the dealership immediately, as the car would more than likely breakdown and I would be stranded. I started researching the issue and discovered that this is an ongoing issue that has been happening for quite some time. Apparently, Audi has been aware of this issue for YEARS, and has failed to inform consumers or customers because they do not have the parts in stock to do a formal recall. As of this moment, my car is still at the dealer, and I am awaiting confirmation that the issue is the issue with the alternator as
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.
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
I purchased the vehicle as a CPO, two days (1/28/23)and 200 miles later I got a warningâElectrical system malfunctionâ. I turned the vehicle off/on and the message reappeared every time. I spoke to the dealership they advised that the issue is know to abruptly shut down power to the vehicle at any given time even while driving. I had the vehicle towed to the Audi dealership.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.