2019 Audi Q8

109 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 14, 2026Bentonville, ARElectrical system, Engine

   Engine overheated and dash warning light did not illuminate until coolant was completely overheated. i followed the light, pulled off the road and let the engine idle until the light when away as directed and proceeded to drive approx 10 miles total distance to work from first warning light to full engine failure with electrical system failure due to being melted and three of my cylinders were misfiring. Audi states i need a full engine replacement at my expense and is not taking ownership of failed warning system. Engine for car quoted 25-30k for replacement. total car value with approx. 80k miles is 17k. Absolutely ridiculous.

   NHTSA complaint 11766823
2. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2026San Jose, CAEngine

   I own a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI that has been regularly maintained and serviced through authorized Audi dealerships. The abnormal engine ticking/knocking did not suddenly begin at 91,000 miles. A similar noise could be heard earlier, but it was not identified by Audi service as an internal engine/piston problem. Because the vehicle continued to be serviced by Audi, I believed the sound was related to the fuel injectors or normal engine operation. At approximately 91,000 miles, the noise became noticeably worse. At 91,623 miles, Audi San Jose diagnosed the knocking as related to the engine pistons, classified it as requiring “IMMEDIATE ATTENTION,” opened Audi TAC case SF-1690700, and confirmed that all six pistons require replacement. Audi provided a repair estimate of $22,466.21. I have since learned that Audi has acknowledged a piston-skirt issue through an 8-year/80,000-mile limited warranty extension, and I have found numerous owners reporting similar piston knocking/piston-slap and major engine repairs. My vehicle is now beyond the 80,000-mile limit, but the noise existed earlier and was not recognized as a piston problem. Given the vehicle's Audi maintenance history and the failure of all six pistons, I am concerned this represents a premature engine defect rather than normal wear. I am reporting this so NHTSA can investigate similar failures, including those diagnosed after Audi's extended-coverage mileage limit, and the potential risk of major engine damage or loss of propulsion.

   NHTSA complaint 11760510
3. Filed Jun 7, 2026Failure Jun 4, 2026Albuquerque, NMUnknown or other

   I have experienced multiple events in which the there is a central locking system malfunction which renders the fob, door lock button, and at times, the door handle nonfunctional and effectively traps occupants in the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11742553
4. Filed May 8, 2026Failure Apr 12, 2026Northbrook, ILEngine, Unknown or other

   My car is a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0L V6 with only 41,831 miles. My emergency light went on and I brought it my locat Audi Dealer. The inspection revealed that the coolant pump was leaking internally, contaminating the entire vacuum system with coolant. This is not a maintenance failure or the result of owner neglect. It is a well-documented, inherent design defect in the EA839 3.0T engine platform that powers the 2019 Q8, a defect that Audi of America has acknowledged through multiple Technical Service Bulletins. Specifically, the EA839 water pump uses a vacuum-operated diaphragm to control coolant flow. When the pump's internal seals fail — as they predictably do — coolant migrates directly into the engine's vacuum system, contaminating components far beyond the pump itself. Industry experts and Audi forums alike describe this failure mode as inevitable on this platform: not a matter of if, but when. This is a design defect manifesting at a fraction of the mileage at which any reasonable owner would expect a cooling system component to fail. Audi of America has issued multiple TSBs addressing coolant pump failures on this exact engine platform, and previously extended warranty coverage for Q7 and Q8 vehicles, including those built during the same production window as the vehicle in question. Our concern is this issue can cause the engine to seize while driving and Audi's repair costs for this known issue have been quoted minimally at $5,519.76

   NHTSA complaint 11736636
5. Filed Apr 30, 2026Failure Apr 6, 2026Jacksonville, FLEngine

   I own a 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle was in the dealership’s possession for approximately three (3) weeks for service. During that time, I was not informed of any significant mechanical concerns or issues. After retrieving the vehicle, it displayed an oil pressure warning while in operation. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. At that time, the dealership added oil (“topped off” the vehicle) and released it back to me without identifying or addressing the underlying cause of the warning. Following this, I made multiple attempts to have the vehicle properly diagnosed. I experienced difficulty obtaining assistance, including calls being disconnected, and I was not provided meaningful support or a thorough evaluation of the issue. Shortly after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began producing abnormal knocking noises and rapidly became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be towed. This situation presents a significant safety concern, as a sudden loss of power or drivability while driving can increase the risk of an accident, particularly in traffic conditions where maintaining speed is necessary. The condition has since been confirmed by a service provider as a major mechanical failure. Additionally, I have received documentation from the manufacturer indicating a known issue related to piston skirt defects associated with this vehicle. Despite the vehicle being in the dealership’s possession for an extended period, this issue was not identified, diagnosed, or addressed. I was also not provided clear assistance or guidance regarding potential warranty consideration related to this known issue. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11734916
6. Filed Apr 17, 2026Failure Apr 8, 2026San Anselmo, CARearview system braking, Warnings, Electrical system

   - 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
7. Filed Feb 4, 2026Failure Nov 7, 2025Elko New Market, MNEngine

   Piston slap issues. The manufacturer is aware of the engine failure issues. They extended the engine warranty coverage from 50k to 80k miles knowing that the engine piston slap is an extreme issue but they won’t issue a total and complete recall. Owners have to identify that issue and have to specifically bring it in to have it bore scoped. If an owner isn’t aware of the noise and goes over the 80k miles then they are not held responsible for the complete and utter engine destruction.

   NHTSA complaint 11715703
8. Filed Jan 19, 2026Failure Jan 12, 2026edison, NJAir bags, Body, Visibility/wiper

   Dash Delamination: The leather dashboard is experiencing severe delamination and pulling away from the substrate, specifically in the area surrounding the passenger-side airbag. I believe this condition poses two significant safety risks: Airbag Interference: The detached and warped material may obstruct, delay, or alter the deployment path of the passenger-side airbag during a collision. Visibility and Distraction: This is a material defect, not wear and tear, and it poses a potential safety concern due to the reflection/glare on the windshield, as well as the distraction it causes while driving. Audi has acknowledged this "process weakness" and issued a Limited Warranty Extension (AWA-23-11) for 2019-2020 Q8 models. Despite this, my request for a safety-related repair was denied due to over 80K. The issue should be considered under mileage. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this defect to determine if it constitutes a safety non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as the structural integrity of the dashboard is vital for proper airbag performance. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring the safety of this vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11711962
9. Filed Jan 19, 2026Failure Jun 4, 2025Gilroy, CAPower train

   Due to a leak in the rear axle that is connected to the differential, it caused the entire differential to fail. The bearing within the differential completely failed due to contaminated oil. The Q8s are known to have this occur but only in year models 2020-2022. My Q8 is a 2019 and Audi is aware of these issues given technical service bulletins available but doesnt want to take responsibility as this may be a continuing manufacturing issue arising. My vehicle only has 65k miles on it and Audi admits this is rare. Due to a misdiagnosis in June of 2025 (oil leak), Audi of Seaside Monterey caused the complete failure of the differential in December of 2025 by not doing a deeper diagnosis earlier to resolve the catastrophic failure. This is a safety concern and very expensive. A new differential costs $12k which has been expected to pay with no accountability. I am currently in an active case with Audi Seaside and the BAR to come to a resolution.

   NHTSA complaint 11711877
10. Filed Nov 11, 2025Failure Oct 10, 2025Staten Island, NYEngine

    I was having noise from engine and and I received a letter from extended warranty for an production defect in piston skirt. I sent my car for an evaluation in the Audi of Manhattan and I was told that my car falls under the engine piston skirt defect.i have the pictures from Audi Manhattan inspection that the engine piston walls have scratches.i was denied coverage under extension warranty because my car was over 1752 mile over the extension warranty.this is and production engine defect and can be stranded any time soon in the high way or any other street putting me and My family in danger and any other people driving around my car if that engine stops in the middle of the street. My car has 81752 miles and the extension warranty was up to 80000 mile or 8 years. The extension warranty came to late almost after 6 years ,as this is an known problem with those engines EA839 that is found in audis Porsche VW Tuareg ect.

    NHTSA complaint 11698834
11. Filed Sep 30, 2025Failure Sep 8, 2025Schaumburg, ILUnknown or other

    Faulty water pump → allowed coolant to migrate into the vacuum lines (a place coolant should never be). •This led to turbo underboost faults (loss of power) even though the turbo itself is fine. •The contaminated vacuum system now requires replacement of the vacuum shut-off valve and possibly other vacuum components. •Because of how the parts are placed, the repair requires removing the front bumper, and once it’s reinstalled, the safety systems/sensors must be recalibrated.

    NHTSA complaint 11690639
12. Filed Sep 18, 2025Failure Jun 27, 2025Katy, TXEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    engine begin to misfire and felt like it was ready to stall. within a minute of the misfiring the engine light came on. i was in the middle of highway struggling to get my vehicle to the dealership where purchased which thankfully was only 5mins away. tech heard noise coming from fuel pump near the engine and recommended replacing along with spark plug. after replacing tech advised me to take my vehicle to audi to perform a software update that will correct the misfire and prevent the MIL from illuminating. Got that done to only be presented with a knocking noise again a month or two later. Took my car back to Audi to run a full diagnostic to find out my engine is in early engine failure due to metal shavings in the oil filter. tech states shavings in the oil could originate from the fuel pump failure and the debris would have traveled into the engine oil causing critical damage to the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11688191
13. Filed Jun 25, 2025Failure Jun 24, 2025Woodbridge, VAEngine

    being quality Engineer, why is this thing failing , and why are there no recalls? Amazing how they design these things to fail right at 50k miles. From what I hear, the audi's are notorious for not making these replacements simple and specialized tools are needed. I wouldn't change anything engine related unless you have issues like engine shaking, or rattling sounds stemming from the engine mounts. And if you get major work done, it is probably best to go to the dealers and pay the extra to make sure it will be taken care of properly! numerous same issues engine mounts after 50k MIles

    NHTSA complaint 11669188
14. Filed Jan 26, 2025Failure Jan 14, 2025San Jose, CAFuel/propulsion system, Steering, Suspension

    There is helicopter type of noise coming from fuel pump and it’s increasing while driving very annoying and i feel steering is loose and I notice on google same problem with so many Audi q8 and sq8

    NHTSA complaint 11638621
15. Filed Dec 18, 2024Failure Dec 16, 2024Rowlett, TXBody

    Wheel arch on the front passenger side flew off on the highway. There was no visible issues that the piece was loose as it’s been on the car securely for 45k miles.

    NHTSA complaint 11631452
16. Filed Oct 13, 2024Failure Oct 8, 2024Wrentham, MASuspension

    2019 Audi Q8 3.0T quatro with 34,102 miles incurred broken left rear coil spring. Right rear most likely will have to be replaced soon. A SUV of this age and mfg shouldn't be having broken coils. This defect appears to be happening quite often. From the dealer's quote... "Recommended service: Coil Spring Replacement - Rear: LEFT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING IS BROKEN (SEE VIDEO ATTACHED) RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS AT THIS TIME. Suspension coil springs support the weight of the vehicle and determine the height at which it sits on the road. The springs allow the suspension system to move and adapt to changing road irregularities; they are under extreme pressure. $2,562.60"

    NHTSA complaint 11619554
17. Filed Sep 26, 2024Failure Sep 24, 2024Syosset, NYFuel/propulsion system

    I was smelling fuel from my car so stopped to have it checked and was told there is a significant spray of fuel coming from the fuel rail and hitting the electrical wires. I was told that it could go on fire at anytime and the car cannot be driven. Audi has a recall for this exact issue for 2016-2018. This is clearly the same issue but they are not issuing a recall for 2019 models and it’s extremely dangerous.

    NHTSA complaint 11616547
18. Filed Sep 13, 2024Failure Jul 19, 2024Colton, CAUnknown or other

    Air conditioning failure, evaporator failure; known issue with Audi Q7, Audi Q8 not included in limited extended warranty

    NHTSA complaint 11614382
19. Filed Jun 20, 2024Failure Mar 1, 20219,800 milesMt Dora, FLElectrical system, Latches/locks/linkages

    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
20. Filed Apr 12, 2024Failure Oct 22, 2023Philadelphia, PAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    The alternator failed causing the vehicle to shutdown in the middle of traffic. I was on a surface road not the highway so I was able to get local police to assist. When it failed there was no car electrical system function, so I could not even turn on my emergency blinkers. This is apparently very common on Audis, as the same part was used to replace the alternator…. It took a month for the dealership to get the part in stock.

    NHTSA complaint 11582506