2023 Audi Q8 problems
The Audi Q8 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV coupé made by Audi that was launched in 2018. It is the flagship of the Audi SUV line, and is being produced at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant.
Overview
BMW launched its coupe SUV in 2008, the BMW X6, and Mercedes-Benz followed suit in 2015 with the GLE-Class Coupe. Audi never made a direct competitor but had been planning to once the new body style became a sales success for other brands.
The Q8 is the first SUV model under Audi's new head of design, Marc Lichte, and introduced a new design language for the brand's SUVs. The grill is larger and now has an octagonal shape, with both vertical and horizontal slats. The Q8 features full-laser headlamps and taillamps. The interior features the knob-less MMI system, three touch screens, and an enlarged virtual cockpit which has a fully digital instrument cluster. Additionally, both haptic and acoustic feedback are provided in response to user inputs, although the design can still lead to distracted driving.
The Q8 is slightly shorter than the Q7 in terms of both length and height but is slightly wider. It also has less cargo space than the Q7 due to its sloped roofline, and unlike the Q7, the Q8 is not available with third-row seats. According to the Volkswagen Group's product strategy the Audi Q8 shares its platform with the Lamborghini Urus, among other products.
European models went on sale in July 2018 and arrived at dealers in August 2018. As of 2019, is sold with both a three-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine outputting 340 brake horsepower (250 kW; 340 PS) and a pair of three-litre turbocharged diesel engines outputting 231 brake horsepower (172 kW; 234 PS) and 286 brake horsepower (213 kW; 290 PS) respectively.
The plug-in hybrid model, marketed as the Q8 TFSI e quattro is based on the Q8 3.0 TFSI (340 PS) model with a 17.9 kWh battery. Pre-sales began in Germany and other European markets in 2020. Early models included 55 TFSI e quattro, 60 TFSI e quattro.
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Common 2023 Audi Q8 problems
The Audi Q8, a luxury midsize SUV, has been praised for its sophisticated design, advanced technology, and superior performance.
- Engine Problems: The 2019 Audi Q8 had engine issues, including throttle lag when the auto start/stop feature was engaged, particularly when the vehicle came out of a rolling stop. There were also reports of engine misfires. Audi acknowledged this issue, which was supposedly fixed by the late 4th quarter of 2019.
- Transmission Problems: The 2019 Q8 had reported issues with the vehicle failing to accelerate when the gas pedal was applied when coming to or from a stop. This delay in response could put drivers at risk when trying to cross traffic, accelerate from a stop sign, or turn left during oncoming traffic. This issue appears to be intermittent but is becoming more prevalent.
- Power Train Complaints: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 39 complaints about the powertrain of the 2019 Audi Q8. These issues can affect the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.
- Electrical System Complaints: The NHTSA has also received 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2019 Audi Q8. One owner claimed to face a scary situation when their car, after flashing multiple warnings, suddenly shut down on the highway. The system failure left them trapped inside as the doors wouldn’t open. These issues are mild but worth remembering when shopping for a used 2019 Q8.
- Electronics and Programming: Some owners have reported electronic gremlins that seem to come and go, including issues with pedal tip-in and the transmission running through the gears awkwardly and too quickly. The almost all-glass control setup is also frustrating, as it requires drivers to look away from the road to change controls.
- Interior Quality: The interior quality of the Audi Q8, particularly in the EV models, is not at the same level as the Petrol Q8. Plastic trim quality below the waistline leaves a lot to be desired in this price segment.
- Design Language: The design language of the Sportback model can be polarizing, and the raised floor in the Q8 e-tron results in a lack of under-thigh support, especially for taller passengers at the back.
- Noise and Creaking: Some owners have reported creaking or noises coming from various parts of the interior, which can be disappointing given the price and reputation of the manufacturer.
In conclusion, while the Audi Q8 is a luxurious and high-performing vehicle, it has had some common problems, particularly in the early production years. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
Is Audi Q8 expensive to maintain?
Audi Q8 Maintenance
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi Q8 will amount to $3,430 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.
What kind of gas does a 2023 Audi Q8 take?
Can You Put Regular Gas in an Audi? For a model with a turbocharger, the recommended Audi gas type is premium fuel. However, you may sometimes run across Holmen gas stations that only have regular fuel instead of premium fuel.
What is the best engine for the Audi Q8?
The 3.0-litre V6 petrol model badged the 55 TFSI generates 335bhp and can get from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 155mph. If you want even more power, then it's worth considering the petrol-powered SQ8 (new cars get a 500bhp V8 petrol) or the flagship RS Q8 and its 592bhp.
What engines are in Audi Q8 2023?
8 engines
| Name | Power | Cons. l/100km |
|---|---|---|
| SQ8 TFSI quattro | 507 hk | 12 l |
| RS Q8 | 600 hk | 12.1 l |
| Q8 60 TFSI e quattro | 462 hk | 2.7 l |
| Q8 55 TFSI quattro | 340 hk | 8.6 l |
Is Audi Q8 expensive to maintain?
Audi Q8 Maintenance
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi Q8 will amount to $3,430 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.
What engines are in Audi Q8 2023?
8 engines
| Name | Power | Cons. l/100km |
|---|---|---|
| SQ8 TFSI quattro | 507 hk | 12 l |
| RS Q8 | 600 hk | 12.1 l |
| Q8 60 TFSI e quattro | 462 hk | 2.7 l |
| Q8 55 TFSI quattro | 340 hk | 8.6 l |
What kind of gas does a 2023 Audi Q8 take?
Can You Put Regular Gas in an Audi? For a model with a turbocharger, the recommended Audi gas type is premium fuel. However, you may sometimes run across Holmen gas stations that only have regular fuel instead of premium fuel.
What is the best engine for the Audi Q8?
The 3.0-litre V6 petrol model badged the 55 TFSI generates 335bhp and can get from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 155mph. If you want even more power, then it's worth considering the petrol-powered SQ8 (new cars get a 500bhp V8 petrol) or the flagship RS Q8 and its 592bhp.
2023 Audi Q8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Audi Q8.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2023 Audi Q8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2023 Audi Q8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Consequence: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
Negative 2023 Audi Q8 car reviews
Positive 2023 Audi Q8 car reviews
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We are thrilled with our Q8! Despite what some reviews may say, this car is incredibly fast and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The technology is top-notch and we constantly receive compliments and inquiries about the model. We would rate it a solid 4 or 4.5 stars. However, there are a few areas where Audi designers could improve to make it a 5-star car: Firstly, it would be great to have remote start capability, especially for those hot Texas days. Secondly, it would be helpful to permanently turn off the auto-shutoff at stop lights. Thirdly, the console is a bit small and storage space is limited, making it difficult to store items like sunglasses. Lastly, the seat settings can be a bit confusing and don't always react the same way. Additionally, the software can be a bit unreliable, with occasional strange messages and certain menu options disabled for no apparent reason.
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Great sporty car! I've had it for 3 days now and it's definitely a head turner. I bought the silver color s line package and with its 22 inch sporty wheels and chrome based outer lining, it looks exceptional. The interior is super sleek with 3 screens and it just looks amazing. The interior is also very roomy and luxurious, with comfortable seats. The back seats are also very comfortable and roomy.
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I've only had the Q8 for a couple of weeks, but I must say that I am already a big fan! The Q8 stands out from the crowd of cookie-cutter midsize luxury SUVs. It feels solid and has a comfortable ride, while also handling well. Audi's Multi Media Interface is incredibly user-friendly, with three easily accessible screens and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay. If you don't need a third row, it's definitely worth considering. After several months of researching this class of vehicle, I couldn't be more pleased!
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I've been the proud owner of my Prestige Trim with the Luxury and Year One packages for about four months now and I absolutely love it! It has the best styling out there for the 'coupe style' SUVs, with the added benefits of a roomy second row and cargo area. The fit and finish of materials are of superb quality. The vehicle handles very well, respecting its size, and the power is more than adequate, with plenty of on-ramp and passing power when you need it. If there is a weak spot, it's the bit of a quirk in the gearing and synchronization with the stop-start system. At times, the vehicle can feel a little sluggish at very low speeds in the regular drive setting. However, I chalk this up to the EPA standards. Simply turn off the stop-start or put the gearing in Sport mode and everything works as expected for the torque and HP of the engine. If you're looking at the handful of coupe SUVs, put the Q8 on your shortlist. 2021 update - my Q8 continues to put a smile on my face. The fit and finish remain top-notch, and I love the drive.
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I've had the car for 3 weeks and I absolutely love the look! It's different than most others on the road. The car is very comfortable and quiet, which is great. Although I'm still learning to use all the tech, I'm very happy with my first Audi. I've had almost every other luxury brand SUV and I'm glad I made the choice.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Audi Q8 problems:
Audi Q8's biggest problem : r/Audi
May 6, 2023 ... So about 4-5 months ago, we got a new vehicle, and we decided on a 2021 Audi Q8 Prestige. Now, it is a good car, it's comfortable and the ...
Overall Reliability of Q8 - AudiWorld Forums
Aug 9, 2023 ... Audi Q8 - Overall Reliability of Q8 - After ... ThomasWShea , 08-09-2023 02:19 PM. AudiWorld ... Lastly, Audi is way to slow to acknowledge problems ...
Q8 Electrical System Malfunction - Thoughts? : r/Audi
Mar 1, 2023 ... Seems like a common issue on multiple models with the hybrid system. ... 2019 Audi Q8 same problem. Audi has been ... Brand new 2023 GC L ...
Audi Q8 E-tron Nightmare - Beware!!!! | Audi e-tron Forum
Complaints, Issues, Problems, Defect TSB, Recalls · e-tron Complaints, Issues And Problems ... Audi Q8 E-tron Nightmare - Beware!!!! Jump to Latest Follow ... #1 · May 3, 2023 (Edited). I took delivery of my Q8 E-tron ...
Other years of Audi Q8
Are you having problems with your 2023 Audi Q8?
Ibrahim Lesch 2025-08-16
My 90 day old 2021 Q8 has software issues that Audi cannot fix. This is very disappointing for a first-time Audi owner.
Kamryn Hammes 2025-07-16
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with Audi cars. We've been proud owners of Audi vehicles for the past 10 years, and our Q5 was one of the best cars we've ever had. We were so impressed with it that we decided to upgrade to the Q8, Audi's flagship SUV. Unfortunately, we've had some issues with it. The electronic locks have malfunctioned a few times, which is a safety concern, and the MMI system has had some quirks when connected to Apple Car Play. We've had to take it in for repairs a few times, and we're not happy with our dealership's response to the issues. Despite these problems, we're grateful for the great experience we had with our Q5. Thank you for listening to my story, and I hope you have a great day!
Aron Ortiz 2025-06-07
We love the design and technology of this car, but unfortunately we have been experiencing some issues with the front proximity sensors. Despite our concerns, we have not received the support we were hoping for from Audi. We were advised to disconnect the sensors, which we feel is not a viable solution as they are an important safety feature. We have taken the car back to Audi Chandler four times, but have only received excuses and no resolution. We were informed that Audi engineers are working on the issue, but we have yet to see any progress. The sensors continue to malfunction, flashing red lights and warning buzzers when there is nothing in front of the car, and remaining silent when they are needed. We reached out to Audi corporate to escalate the issue and find a solution, but unfortunately they were unable to assist us. As a result, we are disappointed with our experience with this $80k car. In contrast, the Hyundai we purchased for our children has been more reliable. Thank you, Audi.
Justen Prosacco 2025-03-23
At 85,000km, my 2019 Q8 experienced a range of issues including problems with the alternator, start stop, starter, fuel pump, and electrical sensors. Although the cruise control is still faulty, I am fortunate that my lease is not due until June 2023.
Silas Kovacek 2025-03-17
The SUV is beautiful inside and out. Once you get rolling, the drive is wonderful! It could benefit from a little more power and torque, perhaps an additional 30 hp. However, there are a few issues that could be improved. The turbo response time could be quicker, and the oil-overfilled warning light has a faulty system design, which Audi has acknowledged in a TSB. Additionally, the auto stop & start feature cuts off a bit too quickly while still rolling, causing a rough start-up and exacerbating the turbo lag. Overall, though, it's a great car with some minor areas for improvement.