Audi Sq8 problems

audi logo

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.

photo of Audi Sq8 car production

Social links

Audi Sq8 model years

audi sq8 2022 photo
Sq8 2022
Audi

0

2

7

5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq8 2021 photo
Sq8 2021
Audi

3

4

6

5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Audi Sq8 problems

The Audi Q8 is a luxury midsize SUV that has been on the market since 2018. While it is known for its sleek design, advanced technology, and superior performance, there have been some common problems reported by owners of this vehicle.

One issue that has been reported is a problem with the casting of the front shock absorber forks. This issue affects a small number of Q8s built between 27 November 2018 and 18 December 2018. Any Audi dealer will be able to tell you if your car is affected by this problem.

Another issue that has been reported is a problem with the connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack. This issue could affect a small number of Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 models built between 1 June 2015 and 28 February 2019. If your vehicle is affected by this problem, it will need to be inspected by a technician.

There have also been reports of a gearbox oil leak in Q8s manufactured from 1 September to 31 December 2019. This issue is caused by a faulty join in the gearbox oil line. If your car is affected by this problem, the line will need to be replaced to solve the problem.

In addition to these specific issues, there have been reports of various electrical problems with the Audi Q8. These problems include issues with the start-stop technology, which can cause delayed acceleration or lurching that can put occupants in danger. There have also been reports of issues with the powertrain and electrical system of the 2019 Audi Q8.

It is worth noting that the Audi Q8 did not feature in the latest reliability survey conducted by What Car?, but its closely related sibling, the Q7, did. The Q7 had an impressive rating of 95.0% and ranked fifth out of 11 cars in the luxury SUV category. However, Audi as a brand came 21st out of 32 manufacturers featured in the survey.

In conclusion, while the Audi Q8 is a luxury midsize SUV with many attractive features, it is important to be aware of the common problems that have been reported by owners of this vehicle. These issues include problems with the front shock absorber forks, the connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack, and the gearbox oil line. There have also been reports of various electrical problems with the Audi Q8. If you are considering purchasing a used Audi Q8, it is important to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician to ensure that it is in good working order and to identify any potential issues.

Audi Sq8

What is the problem with the Audi Q8?

(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. What should you do: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge.

Is Audi SQ8 worth it?

If you can spring the $100k+ for the Audi SQ8, it is ABSOLUTELY worth the money for the incredible power, torque, and sound.

Does the Audi SQ8 have a Lamborghini engine?

Here is a 2023 Audi sq8 and Daytona gray Pearl over black leather. This is mechanically the same engine as a Lamborghini Urus detuned by two because they do offer an rsq8.

Does the SQ8 and RS Q8 have the same engine?

Audi has put the same engine in both the RS Q8 and the SQ8. This twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 is an excellent source of power. In the SQ8, you'll find an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi Sq8 years

We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi Sq8 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Audi Sq8 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi Sq8 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi Sq8 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Audi Sq8 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Audi Sq8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Audi Sq8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi Sq8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi Sq8 vehicles.

List of Audi Sq8 complaints

Audi Sq8 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-02
  • Date Complaint: 2022-02-17
  • VIN: WA1CWBF11MD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MMI system stops working all of a sudden. This has happened multiple times and especially when it takes updates on its own. When called customer service they referred to the dealer stating they cannot do anything. Right after my call with them the car starts functioning back to normal. When I took it to the dealer for service and the problem, Dealer mentioned Audi has received complaints about the new models being affected and is aware of the problem but there is no software patch released yet. Its dangerous to drive as all functions are are turned off including cameras, Bluetooth, collision warning, blind spot, lane departure, music and more (except the engine running). Another issue is with its auto engine stop function, is when you are at a red light with a complete stop and when the light turns green and you are ready to move, the car takes a second or two to get the engine started and pulls back a little. Also the transmission pulls rough at that time of start. Am not sure why this is happening. The car pulls back even when the auto engine stop function is turned off.
Audi Sq8 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-11-27
  • Date Complaint: 2021-08-27
  • VIN: WA1CWBF19MD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: This 2021 Audi SQ8 vehicle was purchased new. The vehicle features an automatic engine stop/start feature which is intended to enhance vehicle fuel economy. The incident(s) include: (1) multiple instances when slowing to a stop and the stop/start feature turned off the vehicle engine before the vehicle has come to a stop, leaving the vehicle to "coast" to a complete stop but without the aid of power steering, full braking capacity and ordinary functionality of a running engine; (2) one instance when parking and the /start feature turned off the vehicle engine, in a drive aisle of a busy plaza parking lot, after I stopped and moved the transmission to reverse in order to back into a parking space; and (3) multiple failures to quickly start and permit required fast acceleration when the start/stop feature would not turn on the engine on demand to permit quick acceleration needed to safely cross a 2 lane roadway in front of approaching traffic from the opposite direction.
Audi Sq8 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-30
  • Date Complaint: 2021-06-30
  • VIN: WA1CWBF10MD
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ8. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Latest 5 recalls Audi Sq8

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Audi Sq8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Audi Sq8 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-10-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
  • Model: Audi Sq8 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2022-10-05
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
  • Model: Audi Sq8 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2022-01-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
  • Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
  • Model: Audi Sq8 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-20
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
  • Model: Audi Sq8 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2021-08-05
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Latest positive Audi Sq8 car reviews

  1. Denis Champlin 2024-11-15

    Vehicle year: 2022

    This beauty has unbelievable power and makes a statement no matter where you go! I love the interior with upgraded leather seats and sound system. As someone who has owned the Porsche Cayenne, Cadillac Escalade, and many others over the years, I can confidently say that this amazing SUV is hands down the best.

  2. Stan Gislason 2024-10-05

    Vehicle year: 2021

    This beauty has unbelievable power and makes a statement no matter where you go! I love the interior with upgraded leather seats and sound system. As someone who has owned the Porsche Cayenne, Cadillac Escalade, and many others over the years, I can confidently say that this amazing SUV is hands down the best.

  3. Trevor Mueller 2024-09-07

    Vehicle year: 2021

    Congratulations on your new SQ8! It sounds like you made a great choice. The SQ8 offers a luxurious experience with a powerful V8 engine and impressive suspension. The ride quality is almost as good as the Q8, but with better handling. The interior is spacious and comfortable, fitting for a high-end German car. The driver assistance pack is also really good, even better than your previous Q8 and almost as good as a 2022 S Class you recently drove. While there are some cons, such as the storage compartments being hilariously useless and the TPMS not telling you how much air your tires have, the SQ8 is still a great choice. The transmission may not always be at the ready when you stab the throttle, but it's less of an issue in dynamic mode. After putting 40,000 miles on your last Q8 with only minor electrical glitches, the SQ8 offers more of the same experience without having to second guess overtaking the car in front. Enjoy your new ride!

  4. Austin Hartmann 2024-09-07

    Vehicle year: 2022

    Short and simple... the SQ8 drives like a tank, and no other car can beat you on the road, regardless of the conditions. While the infotainment system could be a little more responsive, it's not a deal breaker. This review comes from a guy who has been driving BMWs since 2004. Of course, I missed my X5 2019, but the SQ8 is the beast I am in love with driving. I have two kids, two car seats, and I've never run out of space.

  5. Brendon Christiansen 2024-07-16

    Vehicle year: 2021

    This car features the finest materials available, including a suede headliner, Napa massaging seats, and full leather surroundings. The advanced technology provides a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The 500 hp V-8 engine delivers a powerful and balanced performance, especially with the sports package and all-wheel steering. The double-paned insulating glass on all windows ensures a quiet ride on the highway. The sound system is also impressive, boasting 23 speakers and 2000 W. Overall, this car is a true luxury experience that you will love!

Are you having problems with your Audi Sq8?

Add car complaint
Audi Sq8 photo