2020 Audi Q8 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q8, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 26,500 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 9 of 28 complaints (32%).
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6) and electrical system (6) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 26,500 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2020 Audi Q8 has 3 recalls on file.
- It ranks 3rd of 7 Audi Q8 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 70% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (92).
2020 Audi Q8 problems by category
- Engine9 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion6 complaints
- Electrical System6 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash5 complaints
- Other / Unknown3 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain2 complaints
- Steering · 2 crashes2 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 complaints
- Brakes1 complaints
- Body & Structure1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 8 |
| Electrical system | 6 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control | 2 |
| Power train | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance: warnings | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2020 Audi Q8 recalls (3)
- 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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
- 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
- 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).
Risk: If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.
Recent 2020 Audi Q8 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 7, 2026FLElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
I am reporting a recurring problem with the front passenger-side window on my 2020 Audi Q8. This issue began when the vehicle was approximately two years old and has continued intermittently. When attempting to close the front passenger window, the window will sometimes automatically reverse direction and go back down instead of closing. On September 7, 2026, after the vehicle was parked and turned off, the passenger window lowered and would not close normally. Each time I…
NHTSA complaint #11762522 · source - Filed Aug 22, 2026FLEngine
I am reporting an ongoing cooling-system/water-pump issue with my 2020 Audi Q8, approximately 75,000 miles. The problem began when the vehicle repeatedly displayed a low-coolant warning. Inspection confirmed the coolant level was very low and a significant problem involving the coolant pump/vacuum system was diagnosed. The water pump was subsequently replaced. After the repair, the vehicle initially appeared normal, but problems continued. I experienced engine…
NHTSA complaint #11758701 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2026VADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
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…
NHTSA complaint #11743298 · source - Filed Jan 23, 2026IDEngine
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 complaint #11712895 · source - Filed Jan 14, 2026NYOther / Unknown
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.
NHTSA complaint #11710994 · source - Filed Oct 14, 2025FLEngine
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 complaint #11693465 · source - Filed Sep 24, 2025IDEngine
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
NHTSA complaint #11689306 · source - Filed Sep 11, 2025TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11686773 · source
Compare the 2020 Audi Q8 with another vehicle →
Other 2020 Audi models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology