2020 Audi Q8 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 21%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Audi Q8, 21% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2023-02“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 attempted to raise it, the window would reverse and lower again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11762522, filed 2026-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11686773, filed 2025-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11545716, filed 2023-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635932, filed 2025-01, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038030Sep 23, 2026This bulletin provides information when DTC C12BFF0 is stored in the lane change modeul or the radar sensor; intersection assist/lane change assist are inoperable.
- 11038032Sep 18, 2026This bulletin provides information when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, rear parking sensor loose, rear parking sensor fault message.
- 11038040Sep 15, 2026This bulletin provides general information about SOS Emergency Assist.
- 11038029Sep 15, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi pressense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake engagement.
- 11038028Sep 15, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi adaptive light system malfunction; DTC C12B3FA is stored in the control module for driver assistance systems.
- 11038061Sep 2, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate.
- 11036973Aug 27, 2026This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.
- 11036905Aug 21, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.
- 11036972Aug 6, 2026This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.
- 11035810Jul 9, 2026This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Audi Q8
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Audi Q8
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology