VehicleVerdict

2019 Audi Q8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 174 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.7 times the median Q8 year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 8 Q8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (43), electrical system (43), and engine (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

174

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Q8 years?

Q8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted174 complaints2019: 174 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 45 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 27 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Audi Q8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4325%
Transmission4325%
Engine3118%
Fuel System127%
Steering116%
Other95%
Speed Control63%
Driver Assistance32%
Suspension32%
Lighting32%
Latches & Locks21%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Brakes11%
Seats11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2019 Audi Q8 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V125000Driver AssistanceMarch 4, 2026 · 1,620 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

25V900000Driver AssistanceDecember 19, 2025 · 356,894 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

22V516000Fuel SystemJuly 20, 2022 · 49,443 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

20V149000SteeringMarch 16, 2020 · 229 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

19V114000SuspensionFebruary 20, 2019 · 34 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AUTO START/STOP IS SO LAGGY WHEN RE'STARTING THE ENGINE, ESPECIALLY AT LARGE CROSSINGS W HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ROUNDABOUTS. I HAD ALMOST 5 ACCIDENTS IN THE PAST YEAR BECAUSE YOU ANTICIPATE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND FROM EXPERIENCE YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY TURN OR GO, AND THEN YOU JUST ROLL A BIT AND THERE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 3, 2020

“Car started flashing all kinds of warnings, then cut off and had to coast to the side of the highway. Then could not get out of the car and the entire system was in complete failure so the doors would not open. Absolutely terrifying experience. Audi knows this is a bad issue and it keeps happening…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 24, 2023

“Car started flashing all kinds of warnings, then cut off and had to coast to the side of the highway. Then could not get out of the car and the entire system was in complete failure so the doors would not open. Absolutely terrifying experience. Audi knows this is a bad issue and it keeps happening…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 24, 2023

“The Generator (Part #: 4N0903028P) failed causing the car to shutoff while driving. This is a known issue by Audi as it has issued a TSB. Further steps must be taken by the OEM to ensure safe operation of the vehicle by its owners. This is a safety issue that must be resolved soonest!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 19, 2022

“Electrical system malfunction caused the car to come to a stop in the middle of a busy highway. The vehicle needed to be pushed off to the side of the road by other parties as steering became increasingly difficult to navigate to the side of the road. The vehicle was stuck in neutral and could not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 23, 2023

2019 Audi Q8 — common questions

Is the 2019 Audi Q8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 174 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 8 Q8 years. It is one of the Q8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Q8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (43 complaints), electrical system (43 complaints), engine (31 complaints).

Does the 2019 Audi Q8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Audi Q8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q8 years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2020. The cleanest record among Q8 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2019 Audi Q8?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Audi Q8 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.