2020 Audi Q8 Problems
Compared with other Audi Q8 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
29/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Audi Q8 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 9 of its 28 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported part: Engine (8 complaints, median 3,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,500miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid AWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Audi Q8 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi Q8. The part named most often is engine, with 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and fuel system (6). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,325 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 58 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 394 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 Audi Q8 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 29 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine8 29%
- Electrical system6 21%
- Fuel system6 21%
- Other or unknown3 11%
- Steering2 7.1%
- Brakes1 3.6%
- Engine cooling1 3.6%
Also reported: Lane departure (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “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 complaint #11365737, filed 2020-10, 3,000 milesElectrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11505278, filed 2023-02Fuel system: “My boyfriend was driving the vehicle and it killed on him in the middle of Veterans Highway in Metairie. La back in August 2022. I did not want to drive the car after that. I have grandkids and am a single female and do not want to die or get in a serious accident because the fuel is not getting to the engine properly, or be stranded on the side of the road. i then tried to sell the car and was told that a recall was issued and no one would sell it for me. and so then I was not going to sell a vehicle that is now a danger to everyone on the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #11497429, filed 2022-12Forward collision avoidance: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11743298, filed 2026-06Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 50,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Audi Q8. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Audi Q8 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Back over prevention › Sensing system › CameraCovers: Audi Q8 2019–2026, A8 2019–2026, A7 2019–2025 +15 more
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…
- 22V516000Jul 20, 2022Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi Q8 2019–2021, Q7 2020–2021
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.
- 20V272000May 13, 2020Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: Audi Q8 2020
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).
Recall details for the 2020 Audi Q8 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,325 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038030Sep 23, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when DTC C12BFF0 is stored in the lane change modeul or the radar sensor; intersection assist/lane change assist are inoperable.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038024Sep 22, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning.
- 11038056Sep 18, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides information about billing for a broken sunroof glass panel.
- 11038032Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, rear parking sensor loose, rear parking sensor fault message.
- 11038040Sep 15, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides general information about SOS Emergency Assist.
- 11038029Sep 15, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi pressense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake engagement.
- 11038028Sep 15, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi adaptive light system malfunction; DTC C12B3FA is stored in the control module for driver assistance systems.
Other model years of the Audi Q8
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 23 | — | 5 | 5 | 86 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 7 | — | 2 | — | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2021 | 30 | 8,600 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 28 | 26,500 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 29 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 110 | 4,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 88 · More | Stable |
All Audi Q8 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Audi Q8 have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi Q8 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Audi Q8 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2020 Audi Q8 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Audi Q8 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Audi Q8 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi Q8 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Audi Q8 (Q8, 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Audi Q8 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,500 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 50,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.