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SteeringPart report

2021 Audi Q8 Steering Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
10%of 30 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Audi Q8, 10% of the 30 complaints for this model year.

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.

“On multiple occasions, the car states there is a steering malfunction and to stop the car immediately. Power steering fails. The last time I left the car to the dealership to have a recall serviced - it did this. I let the Audi (Fred Lavery Birmingham Michigan) know. They did not respond / did nothing. It has happens at least 10x at varying speeds (some high, med and low speed) since the day I left the dealership”

NHTSA complaint #11755728, filed 2026-08

“Belt Starter Generator failure rendered car undrivable -- power steering failed while in motion. Issue is subject to Class Action Settlement in USDistrict Court, Case # 3:23-cv-02291-RK-RLS. But this should have been a recall because of danger of Injury or Death. A recall would provide notice that the notice of settlement failed to provide. This failure happened to me on March 29, 2026. Dealer is not able to do the repair work in a timely manner.”

NHTSA complaint #11727957, filed 2026-03

“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 2023-09

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202414%
2021310%
202027%
20191110%

Other parts of the 2021 Audi Q8

Electrical system
13 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
3 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Lane departure
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Vehicle 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 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