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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After months of research, I decided to purchase the Q8 with Premium Trim. I must say, the Q8 has exceeded my expectations as a sporty and luxurious SUV. As a tall man (6’6”), I feel right at home in the Q8 and driving it is a lot of fun! The SUV has all kinds of power and smoothness. The technology in the vehicle is a lot, but it becomes fairly intuitive after a few days. One thing to note is that the Q8 is bigger than you think - closer to the Q7 than the Q5. If you want a true midsized SUV, I’d recommend looking at the Q5. If I still had kids going to soccer, lacrosse, etc., I would have bought the Q7. The rear cargo area has enough room for my golf clubs and work materials, and the back seat has more room than any other vehicle I considered. I looked closely at and considered the BMW X5, Acura MDX, and the Mercedes GLE. Personally, I don’t care for the looks of the Lexus or Infiniti SUVs. The Range Rovers look great, but I was scared away by the reliability reports on Edmunds, and I don’t really see myself as a Jag or Porsche owner.
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I bought my Q8 in late March '19 and it has been amazing so far. I have no regrets about my purchase. I got all the options I wanted, except for the $5k stereo and night vision. I found the perfect car on the lot with the major options I was looking for: Prestige, Lux Pkg, Year One, Adaptive Chassis, Tow Pkg, and Cold Weather Pkg. I actually went to the dealer to test drive a Q7, but when I saw the Q8 in the showroom, I knew it was the one for me. After two months of intense research, I made the purchase. The Q8 drives more like a car than an SUV and handles great. It feels solid on the road and the driver safety features are amazing. I fell in love with the interior on the first day - it's beautifully integrated with the dash and technology. I haven't seen any other vehicle on the market (outside of Audi) with such a nice interior. The Q8 looks great on the road and the back seat space is huge - no complaints from any passengers. You feel pampered in this vehicle, for sure. The towing capacity is 7700 lbs, although I haven't towed with it yet. The only downside is that it's easy to go fast without realizing it. I've hit triple digits unintentionally while making a simple pass. Be careful with this vehicle or you'll get a ticket for sure! There isn't much cabin storage and there is no remote start (apparently it's illegal in Germany so they don't put it on their US imports either). European models have self-parking (via phone app) which is not available on US models. That would be amazing. In my updated review from October 2020, I can confirm that it's still an amazing vehicle with no issues. The MMI has blacked out once or twice, but it has come back on its own or after an MMI reset (holding down the volume knob for 10 seconds). I have just under 15k miles and everything works well. The car still runs smoothly and feels solid with no rattles or squeaks. The fit and finish are excellent.As of this date, I would absolutely buy this vehicle again.
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We've been driving the Q8 for three months now and we've loved every minute of it. We've put around three thousand miles on it and it's been completely reliable, just as it should be. It's fantastic in the snow too. We drive it to our ski house every weekend and it's like driving a snow cat compared to our previous vehicle, the dreadful 2016 Ford Explorer which was like a toboggan. The matrix-led headlights are amazing, it's like having the sun on the front of the car when the superb auto high beams are active. They're definitely a worthy upgrade. The Q8 also has a spacious rear seat where tall people can easily stretch out.
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I've only had the car for a week, but so far it has exceeded all my expectations. It's exceptionally smooth, quiet, and comfortable on the road. The technology is cutting edge and the looks are outstanding. The Prestige model is rich with features. After owning the vehicle for about 6 months, I can still say that I like it as much as I did during my first days of ownership. People often stop me and say how good looking it is. I did have a couple of minor quality control build issues, but they were easily resolved by the dealer. If I were to list any complaints, I would say I have only two minor ones. Firstly, there is a definite lack of small storage spaces for the driver (i.e. center console and dashboard cubbies). Secondly, the engine stop/start feature is annoying, but can be defeated. I would definitely buy this car again. The only thing I would change would be to get the 4 wheel steering option. This, I believe, would make parking and general maneuverability much easier. In January 2020, I traded my Q8 for an identical Q8, the only difference being that the new one has 4 wheel steering and air suspension. Other than that, there are NO differences in model or options. My previous opinion that 4 wheel steering would improve maneuverability was absolutely correct! The new car is significantly more maneuverable and MUCH easier to park. Now, having had the Q8 for over two years, I can say that it has been trouble-free and a pleasure to drive. Although I'm not a computer geek, I still find some functions somewhat difficult to navigate, but I'm getting better at it. Having a couple of buttons/knobs for a couple of more commonly used functions would be nice. However, if you remember to use the voice function, which works very well, it's a good alternative.
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The Audi Q8 is such an amazing SUV! I personally have the Prestige model, which comes with every feature that Audi offers. I've owned both the first year model of the Q7 and the 2019 Q8, and I recently traded in my 2019 for a 2023 model. I absolutely love the updated features, especially the self-park feature. I've never had any issues with either of my Audis, so I highly recommend that every car buyer consider the Audi Q8!
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?
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.
Imani Okuneva 2024-08-02
Hey there! Just a quick reminder to take your time. Remember, things aren't always as difficult as they may seem at first glance.
Kennith Thompson 2024-03-20
Hey there! This computer is quite big, isn't it? It seems to have a mind of its own and never does the same thing twice. Personally, I just want to drive without having to worry about programming it.
Brad Nitzsche 2024-02-02
I recently had an experience with the Audi Q8 and I must say, I was a bit disappointed. While the car has some great features, such as the same ones I experienced in a Toyota I rented in Florida, it comes at a much higher cost. Additionally, I found some design flaws, such as the lack of a place to store sunglasses and the inconvenient location of the cell holder. The road noise was also quite noticeable, which was surprising given the car's price point. Overall, I would suggest taking a test drive before making a purchase decision. It's important to consider all aspects of the car, including its radio, which I found to be subpar. While the Audi Q8 may impress some, it misses the mark when it comes to the driving experience. I hope this review helps others in their decision-making process.