2020 Audi Q8 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%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 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Audi Q8, 7% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“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 2025-09Related recalls
- 20V272000May 13, 2020Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the…Covers: Audi Q8 2020
Related service bulletins
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- 11027358Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
- 11022636Aug 1, 2025This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from steering and/or intermediate steering shaft.
- 11021441Jul 30, 2025This bulletin providesi nformation when various DTCs are stored; high maximum temperature recorded for clutch K1.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Audi Q8
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsSteering
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 30, 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