2019 Audi Q8: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 107 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (30% of complaints); the 2020 and 2021 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
“Faulty water pump â' 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“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”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2025
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2024
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2024
“Air conditioning failure, evaporator failure; known issue with Audi Q7, Audi Q8 not included in limited extended warranty”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2024
“My 2019 Q8 has less than 35K miles and has had breaks and rotors repaired three times and needs them again. The breaks pulsate and wear down at an excessive rate, the stock breaks are not a good enough product for the weight of the vehicle. I've raised this issues with the dealership multiple times and this is my 2nd Audi SUV with break issues.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2023
“Electrical malfunction displayed on dashboard with every system in the car shutting down within seconds. I was stranded on the freeway shoulder. Maybe an issue with the alternator.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2019 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Q8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Audi Q8 reliable?
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Audi Q8. The most complained-about area is power train (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Audi Q8 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 8,130 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Audi Q8 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning lane departure:software. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.