2020 Audi Q8 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
28 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
26,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 28 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 17.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 10.7% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 10.7% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 7.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 8 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
Engine: 8; Electrical System: 6; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Power Train: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 24 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2022: 5; 2023: 5; 2024: 3; 2025: 6; 2026: 5
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11505278 · 2023-02-02 (February 2, 2023)
I purchased the vehicle as a CPO, two days (1/28/23)and 200 miles later I got a warning”Electrical system malfunction”. 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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11505278 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11545716 · 2023-09-20 (September 20, 2023)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11545716 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11365737 · 2020-10-22 (October 22, 2020)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11365737 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11560026 · 2023-12-13 (December 13, 2023)
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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11560026 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11438589 · 2021-10-29 (October 29, 2021)
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 Emotionall…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438589 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11450839 · 2022-02-07 (February 7, 2022)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11450839 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11635932 · 2025-01-14 (January 14, 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…
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11635932 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11686773 · 2025-09-11 (September 11, 2025)
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 NHT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11686773 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11758701 · 2026-08-22 (August 22, 2026)
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 sputtering/rough running and the vehicle felt as though it might stall while stopped…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11758701 at NHTSA ↗