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EnginePart report

2020 Audi Q8 Engine Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
29%of 28 total for the year
Median mileage
3,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Audi Q8, 29% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 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.

“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 miles

“The vehicle is a 2020 model with less than 55k miles and experienced coolant leaks. Specifically, the water pump was faulty and leaked causing coolant liquid to leak in additional lines and gaskets. The repairs resulted into costs upwards of $5k. When I first brought into dealer, the service rep mentioned that the fluctuating coolant lines wouldn’t be an issue but I further pressed them on doing a pressure test to which the issue was discovered. This is a huge safety problem if my engine was to overheat or face and other issues on the leak. …”

NHTSA complaint #11662231, filed 2025-05

“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 at a traffic light. …”

NHTSA complaint #11758701, filed 2026-08

“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 2022-12

“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, filed 2025-09

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202429%
2021620%
2020829%
20193431%

Other parts of the 2020 Audi Q8

Electrical system
6 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