75 of the
310 complaints filed about the Audi Q8
are about the electrical system —
24% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
While traveling on a major freeway between 65mph and 70mph, vehicle alarms started sounding and numerous alarm / warning messages appeared on the dashboard display, while at the same time, the automatic door opening mechanism (e-latch system) unlatched and partially opened the driver’s side door. The partial opening of the door at high speed is hazardous, and could also cause a major distraction, resulting in a crash and/or danger to others in the vehicle and/or on the highway. The vehicle is currently being inspected at a dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The warning lamps, messages or other symptoms as described appeared during the incident as described.
NHTSA complaint #11757026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] about [XXX], I was driving my 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Premium Plus (VIN [XXX]) in a private parking garage while on the clock for work. I had just left a work meeting and was traveling back to my office. I was backing out of a parking space next to a concrete column when my passenger-side mirror contacted the column. The vehicle’s proximity sensors beeped, which appeared normal. I then pulled forward slowly to straighten the vehicle and assess the mirror. My foot was initially on the accelerator because I was attempting to move forward slowly. The vehicle suddenly jerked and accelerated extremely rapidly and unexpectedly. I immediately moved my foot completely from the accelerator to the brake. I am certain I was not touching the accelerator. The brake pedal felt normal, but the vehicle continued accelerating and would not stop. The vehicle struck a second concrete column approximately one parking space away with substantial force. The impact stopped the vehicle. The vehicle remained powered on after the collision. There was no apparent collision-assistance intervention. I did not observe a brake-system or collision-assistance warning immediately before the event. I was not yet wearing my seatbelt because I was still maneuvering out of the parking space. My head struck the rearview mirror during the collision, causing an avulsion wound to my forehead requiring stitches. I was treated in the ER, underwent CT imaging, and was kept overnight for observation. After the crash, I discovered that my exact VIN has an unrepaired NHTSA safety recall 26V240 / Audi 46P7, issued April 15, 2026. The recall concerns the brake pedal input rod/brake booster actuator rod connection, which may disconnect and result in loss of normal braking. I received the recall letter in April but had not yet had an opportunity to take the vehicle to Audi before the crash. letter did not instruct me not to drive the vehicle. I’m concerned the defect caused the acciden INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11756593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron, VIN [XXX], [XXX]. Vehicle has had four documented electrical/drive system malfunctions in 12 months, all tied to high heat. We regularly drive our [XXX] child in this vehicle and no longer feel safe doing so. XXX: Electrical system malfunction warning while driving. Taken to Audi dealer. XXX: Same malfunction recurred, taken to Audi dealer again. Both times dealer advised waiting for cooler temps rather than repairing the vehicle. Mid-XXX: Charging began degrading in extreme heat. Day before report: Charging stopped completely, leaving vehicle unusable. Day of report: Drive system malfunction error, vehicle would not shift into drive, had to be towed. A dealer service advisor confirmed Q8 e-tron batteries commonly degrade and fail in Arizona heat and described it as a known regional issue. Safety concern: this vehicle repeatedly loses drive function and charging capability without warning in extreme heat, creating a real risk of being stranded on the road, including with a young child in the car. This is not a comfort or convenience issue, it is a recurring safety failure that Audi has been made aware of multiple times without resolution. Documentation available: text correspondence with Audi, dealer service records, tow record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Water leaking from sunroof drains to interior of cabin. Water getting electronics wet and filling up where the battery sits as well. Both driver side and passenger side. Vehicle has numerous electrical problems such as: Vehicle auto start stop function failing (car not turning back on at traffic light) Emergency indicators not working infotainment crashing
NHTSA complaint #11753232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Opened passenger door, then closed it. Door would not latch and could not be closed or secured despite numerous attempts. Had to tie door shut via interior to safely get vehicle to repair shop. No warning or error lights came on besides door ajar warning. The handles and locking mechanism on this q8 etron have already failed and been replaced numerous times.
NHTSA complaint #11750180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
- Vehicle: 2019 Audi Q8, VIN [XXX] - Recall: Campaign 25V900 (90TV), Rearview Camera Software - Dealer: Audi Marin, 700 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael CA, BAR# XXX - What happened: Recall attempted April 1, 2026. Technician logged Error 005A — communication failure with front driver assistance — on RO #XXX. Vehicle returned with rearview camera non-functional and driver assistance systems unavailable. - Current status: Dealer claims recall was performed. Rearview camera remains non-functional. The specific defect the recall addresses is present in the vehicle. - Dealer conduct: Dealer is attempting to charge $345 diagnostic fee for damage introduced during the recall attempt, claiming fault is pre-existing. No documentation supports pre-existing claim. Dealer's own intake inspection (January 15) recorded systems as functional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CHARGING SYSTEM DEFECT: The manufacturer-supplied portable charger (rated 9.6kW at 240V/40A) delivers only 7.4kW — a 23% shortfall. The authorized dealer confirmed this measurement in March 2026 but refused to repair, stating "no issues." The charging rate also degrades over time without manual reset. The vehicle also intermittently fails to charge at DC fast charging stations — it begins charging, then stops within minutes displaying "Malfunction of charging" error. Other EVs charge normally at the same stations. SAFETY RISK: Charging failures create a stranding hazard. The vehicle can fail to charge at public stations without warning, leaving the driver unable to complete trips. REPAIR HISTORY: 5+ visits to two authorized dealerships over 10 months (May 2025–March 2026), 16+ days out of service. No fix — returned each time as "no fault found" despite video evidence of failures shown to dealer at every visit. Manufacturer corporate support also failed to resolve. Dealer found DTCs for charger communication faults. A demand letter was sent to manufacturer — no response received. Vehicle and charger available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11725412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owner: Jyima Ofori-Atta Vehicle: 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron (55) VIN: WA15AAGEXRB031696 Current Mileage: Approximately 6,335 miles Dealer: Audi Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, CA Lease Start Date: February 1, 2025 Car charging issue I recently received my vehicle back from service following an extended stay related to recurring charging system and software issues. While the vehicle has been returned to me, my primary concern is the likelihood that the same charging failure will occur again, as it has multiple times in the past. Due to the history of unresolved charging failures and the absence of a clearly communicated permanent fix, I am extremely concerned about the vehicle’s reliability moving forward. Since taking delivery of the vehicle, I have experienced multiple charging system failures that rendered the vehicle unable to charge and therefore inoperable. Charging failures occurred unpredictably and without warning. The issues were not limited to a single charger and occurred using both home and public charging stations. When the charging system fails, the vehicle cannot be driven once battery charge is depleted. These failures have resulted in repeated loss of use and extended service visits. Because this is an electric vehicle, reliable charging is essential to basic operation. Given the history of failures: I am fearful of relying on the vehicle for daily transportation. There is ongoing concern about being stranded if the charging system fails again. The unpredictability of the issue has created significant stress and hesitation in using the vehicle as intended. This concern is not hypothetical; it is based on repeated past incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11712760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Failed/Malfunctioned Component: March 2025 - Air Conditioning (A/C) control valve, May 2025 - A/C line and seals. 2. Safety Risk: I heard an explosion underneath the vehicle shortly after parking the vehicle in a shopping center. Upon quick inspection, I did not initially observe any obvious broken parts, components, nor any warning lamps, messages or symptoms. The following day while charging the vehicle in my garage, I noticed a fluid leak emitting from under the vehicle. The fluid was identified as R1234YF refrigerant, which is flammable. The risk of that fluid igniting is even greater while the vehicle is charging. 3. The problem was reproduced by the dealer under both incidents (A/C control valve failure & A/C lines and seals explosion) and confirmed as a manufacturer defect. 4. The vehicle was inspected, serviced, and repaired at an authorized dealership on two occasions. 5. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? Symptom in first instance was failure to blow cold air. Symptoms in second incident - fluid leak was detected, shortly after turning on the vehicle A/C failed to blow old air.
NHTSA complaint #11700974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this alternator issue constitutes a recall-worthy safety defect under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
NHTSA complaint #11686773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 Audi Q8 Pre Sense collision braking system has engaged erroneously on numerous occasions under completely normal driving conditions. It’s terrifying and potentially life-threatening liability. My vehicle would consistently flash warning signals on my dash and my screen went completely black. Most recently, while driving at approximately 35 mph, the Pre Sense system activated without warning or cause. The impact was so violent I believed I had been rear-ended. No vehicle was behind me. I’m convinced this vehicle will cause a catastrophic accident. Having done research there are multiple consumers posting their Audi coming to a complete stop on the highway while driving at high speeds. Audi had a class action suit for this very reason and I was never notified. I requested a buyback through Audi Corporate. Unfortunately, I received a denial letter. I dropped my vehicle off to my local Audi dealer on several occasions and was told that unless the problem duplicates itself they cannot repair the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11683313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased my car used from Volkswagen of west islip. After a few months I was doing regular maintenance when I noticed that the brake sensor was missing and the harness was tampered with. The brake wear sensor was removed from the front driver side and a small price of wire/ conductive material was inserted into the harness to trick the cars system into on seeing the sensor in a safe and working manner. This would prevent the cars system from alerting me when the brakes need to be replaced which could have resulted in resulted in a serious accident due to brake failure. I feel like this was either deliberately done by the dealer before selling the car to save a few dollars or was overlooked during what should have been a basic safety inspection before listing the vehicle for sale. After reaching out to the dealer- they refused to fix the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11672145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. The situation posed a serious safety hazard to both myself and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had an unresolved generator recall, which Audi later confirmed and completed after the incident. This event raises significant concerns regarding system reliability and pre-failure alert mechanisms in the Q8 platform.
NHTSA complaint #11656169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had purchases a 2021 Audi Q8 from Carmax on 10/16/2024. There was a time that I was driving at 35 mph in the left lane which I had my signal on to proceed in the turning lane when the car went into park and the crash indicator was on. I was jerked by the force. I also notice when you turn the car on there was a knocking sound. I had taken the vehicle into Westmont Audi on 11/22/2024. They had checked it out and said the noise was normal. I advised them to do a complete inspection on the vehicle while it was under warranty to make sure there was no other issues. They said everything looked great and that there were no codes. They don't know why the car had stopped. They did the 50k inspection as well. After that I start to experience indicator on for Intersection assistant malfunction please contact service, Audi pre sense; currently limited see owner's Manuel, and Rear Cross-Traffic assist: Malfunction, please contact service. At first thought it was normal but then it was persistent. On 2/11/2025 the check engine light had come on. I called the dealer on 2/12/2025 first thing in the morning. They advised me that it will be under warranty. I had dropped the car off to Westmont Audi and we went over the issues the vehicle was having. They informed me that it was under warranty. Once I left, they called and said it will not be covered. According to their investigation its two software that have to be updated. One for the pre sense and other for a misfire. The vehicle drags to pick up speed. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. The vehicle is not safe to drive because it is not 100% working properly the software's along with other issues. Also, I had them do a scan on the vehicle and there were so many codes on which I have attached them. It now will cost over $500.00 in repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11642501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turn assist intervention safety feature had independently engaged and a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an intermittent failure with the front view and rear-view cameras. The contact stated during the failure, the image on the screen either froze or flickered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our Audiu Q8 has had a host of safety issues since purchased in December 2023 and we have been denied or delayed on a buyback twice. The vehicle has been unable to be moved 3 times due to battery (12V and relay) issues that left my wife and [XXX] stranded at home. On one occasion the vehicle could not be moved by the tow service whatsoever. The charging system cable (known to cause fire hazard by Audi with open safety bulletins) created a fire in our 240 outlet box and also melted the plug and connected cable. The vehicle also continues to read road signs on exit ramps and hard brake check almost causing accidents while driving on the highway with cruise control. The feature for traffic sign recognition is tuned off but the vehicle continues to do this hard and sudden brake checking. Audi continues to drag their feet on repairs and still has not reimbursed us for electrical expenses from the fire damage over 6 weeks later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11624364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a central locking malfunction warning sign was displayed. The contact stated that later when a rear passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, the door failed to open. The driver’s and passenger’s side rear doors failed to open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure related to Technical Service Bulletin: DTC B14FF29. The vehicle was repaired under Warranty. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed before any assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,800.
NHTSA complaint #11595508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.