2021 Audi Q8 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 20%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Audi Q8, 20% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,500 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 was driving my car would not accelerate on the highway and it almost caused me to get into an accident with my niece in the car. When I took the car to Audi this is what I was told my the service adviser. “Good afternoon. The technician has been looking into the vehicle and has found the cause of the issue. He has found the coolant water pump has failed internally causing coolant to leak internally into the vacuum system. This is causing the vacuum to be blocked for the turbo and thus causing the sluggish feeling when accelerating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11741357, filed 2026-06“The engine (internal mechanical failure) malfunctioned. The vehicle developed a persistent ticking/knocking noise from the engine bay, and the authorized Audi dealer diagnosed the issue as requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A catastrophic engine failure presents a risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or engine seizure, which could occur while driving at speed or in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711800, filed 2026-01“The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shutoff as the electrical problem, see local dealer warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled off to the side of the highway and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11432422, filed 2021-09, 3,500 miles“On April 2, 2025, while driving on Interstate 25, my 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus experienced a catastrophic engine and electrical failure. This included the generator system failing, which resulted in a complete loss of power, disabling all active safety systems (including electronic stability control, braking assist, and lane monitoring), as well as basic driving capabilities such as acceleration and steering responsiveness. The incident occurred without prior warning or diagnostic alerts, and the vehicle became immobile on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11656169, filed 2025-04“Complete loss of electrical power while driving due to faulty alternator at only 35K miles. This resulted in total loss of steering, suspension failure, and any other electrical systems in the car. Making the car almost impossible to control specially for a new driver. Apparently the issue is widespread with any Audi car or SUV equipped with a V6 3 liter engine. The repair requires the replacement of the alternator and the 12v (an in some cases 48v) battery. The issue happens suddenly with no prior warning and completely disables the vehicle while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11547234, filed 2023-09Related service bulletins
- 11038090Sep 14, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an abnormal knocking noise from the engine compartment; V6 3.0L TFSI.
- 11036900Aug 21, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11036938Aug 13, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an abnormal engine knocking noise from the engine compartment; V6 3.0L TFSI.
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11034656Jun 4, 2026This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
- 11034699Jun 2, 2026This bulletin provides informatio when fuel pump/ sender, fuel tank level implausible, DTC B105A1A B103E29 Stored in 0017.
- 11032174Apr 15, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an abnormal engine knocking noise from the engine compartment; V6 3.0L TFSI.
- 11032173Apr 15, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is an abnormal engine knocking noise from the engine compartment; V6 3.0L TFSI.
- 11032139Apr 6, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the radiator fans run constantly and the windshield wipers don't work.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Audi Q8
13 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Audi Q8
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology