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Electrical systemPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20241252%
2023114%
20211343%
2020621%
20194440%

Other parts of the 2020 Audi Q8

Engine
8 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Lane departure
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Visibility (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