VehicleVerdict

2020 Audi Q8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Q8 year — the 2020 model ranks #3 of 8 Q8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (9), engine (8), and fuel system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

37

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Q8 years?

Q8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted174 complaints2019: 174 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 45 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 27 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Audi Q8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance924%
Engine822%
Fuel System616%
Electrical System514%
Other38%
Transmission25%
Steering25%
Body & Structure13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2020 Audi Q8 have recalls?

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

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.

20V272000TransmissionMay 13, 2020 · 531 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Consequence

If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Many times my 2020 SQ8 instrument pannel lights up , even just pulling out of my garage , and indicates that my RIGHT Front Tire is low/ or flat ( low tire warning ) and to check Right passenger side for damage .??? . ( each time (10-20 times ) this has happened and i discover NO Flat tire or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 12, 2021 · crash

“Catastrophic engine failure on Audi Q8 3.0L turbo. Per service manager it a know issue and Audi just sent out a letter extending engine warranty to 80,000 miles. Per Audiworld forum Audi is replacing some engines and charging some owners $27,000 Audi needs to be investigated and held accountable…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2025

“THE VEHICLE'S START STOP SYSTEM OR TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLUGGISH LEADING TO VARIOUS BOUTS OF HESITATION ESPECIALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COASTING AT A SLOW SPEED AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT FROM A LEFT TURN LANE AND HAVING THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 20, 2020

“Basically, when driving, the complete cars looses power and looses all electrical power. When I was making a turn, the car lost power, transmission and steering wheel locked up. Audi power system needs to be reviewed and seemed like the Audi dealership was aware of this incident happening to other…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 12, 2023

“Rear back up camera and 360 cameras do not work consistently and result in difficulty in backing up the car without complete visibility. This issue is subject to recall on 2021 and 2022 models but not on 2020. I wonder why this isn’t being addressed properly by Audi and NHTSA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 26, 2024

2020 Audi Q8 — common questions

Is the 2020 Audi Q8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2020 model at #3 of 8 Q8 years. It is one of the Q8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Q8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2020 Audi Q8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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 2020 Audi Q8?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.