2021 Audi Sq8 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 2021 Audi Sq8 problems
The 2021 Audi Q8, like any vehicle, may encounter certain common problems based on complaints from owners. While there is no specific data for the 2021 model, it is helpful to examine issues reported for the 2019 Audi Q8, as it shares similarities with the 2021 model. Here are some common problems found in the 2019 Audi Q8:
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported that the vehicle fails to accelerate when the gas pedal is 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 complaints cover a range of issues that could potentially affect the vehicle's performance and reliability.
- 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, highlighting the potential risks associated with electrical issues.
- Electronics and Programming: Audi has been criticized for its electronics and programming, with issues such as awkward transmission shifts, poor pedal tip-in response, and frustrating control setups. These problems can affect the driving experience and overall satisfaction with the vehicle.
- Belt Starter Generator (BSG): There is an unknown issue with the BSG, which has been failing prematurely in some 2021 Audi Q8s. This issue may be specific to certain engines, but it is essential to be aware of it when considering a 2021 Audi Q8.
While there is no specific data for the 2021 Audi Q8, it is crucial to consider these common problems reported for the 2019 model, as they may indicate potential issues for the 2021 model. Always conduct thorough research and consider extended warranty options when purchasing a new or used vehicle.
What is the difference between SQ8 and rsq8 engine?
The RS Q8 is the ultimate Audi performance SUV. It builds off the SQ8 Premium Plus, adding a 591-horsepower version of the 4.0-liter V8 capable of returning a zero-to-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.
Does the SQ8 have air suspension?
On various road. Conditions. Thank you in addition to the Adaptive air suspension the sq8 is equipped with electromechanical active roll stabilization.
Is the Audi SQ8 comfortable?
In the Comfort drive mode, the standard adaptive suspension dampers and air suspension provide the pillow-like ride you'd expect of a luxury SUV. It doesn't feel floaty either. You can also dial up the Dynamic mode for a firmer feel. The leather upholstery is soft, and the padding is comfortable but supportive.
How many miles per gallon does the SQ8 get?
According to the EPA, the SQ8 is good for 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.
Does the SQ8 have air suspension?
On various road. Conditions. Thank you in addition to the Adaptive air suspension the sq8 is equipped with electromechanical active roll stabilization.
Is the Audi SQ8 comfortable?
In the Comfort drive mode, the standard adaptive suspension dampers and air suspension provide the pillow-like ride you'd expect of a luxury SUV. It doesn't feel floaty either. You can also dial up the Dynamic mode for a firmer feel. The leather upholstery is soft, and the padding is comfortable but supportive.
How much horsepower does a 2021 SQ8 have?
A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 will power the SQ8, and it will provide 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The model comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Where is the Audi SQ8 made?
2024 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is available in one variant, is classed as a Upper Large SUV and is built in Germany.
2021 Audi Sq8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Sq8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Audi Sq8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Audi Sq8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Audi Sq8.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-02
- 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-27
- 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
2021 Audi Sq8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2021 Audi Sq8.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi SQ7, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 AVANT, and SQ8 vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
- Consequence: Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.
Positive 2021 Audi Sq8 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Audi Sq8 problems:
SQ8 - common issues? - AudiWorld Forums
May 2, 2023 ... Audi Q8 - SQ8 - common issues? - Out of ... Our 2021 SQ8 is being traded for a MB ... problem described in this thread: Electric System Malfunction ...
2021 Audi SQ8 Problems, Issues & Top Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
Jul 5, 2023 ... Recalls · An engine cylinder bore surface may develop cracks that may cause engine damage and stalling or an oil leak. · Seat belt locking ...
More SQ8 issues... - AudiWorld Forums
Audi Q8 - More SQ8 issues... - Well, I hate to be that guy who comes on the forum and just ... beachbumjbs , 02-02-2021 01:11 PM ... I noticed that too on ...
RS6/7 problems and warranty claims - Forum
Jul 6, 2022 ... No other significant issues or rattles. Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum. My 2021 RS6 goes into Audi on Monday for the same problem.
Is anybody else having insane issues with their MMI, including ...
May 16, 2022 ... Did you find out it the connection works better wired? I just got my 2021 ... Another issue I only have in the Audi. ... I have a '22 Audi SQ8, ...
Other years of Audi Sq8
Are you having problems with your 2021 Audi Sq8?
Andrew Schaefer 2025-02-23
Don't overspend on options. The V8 is tremendous and the quality ride means you can tear up 3, 4, or even 500 miles a day with no problem. You'll never feel tired either!
Gregory Howe 2025-02-09
We previously owned Mercedes and BMW large SUVs. Recently, we traded in my wife's beloved Porsche McCann and turned in my Tesla 100S lease to buy the Audi SQ8. We purchased it through the Costco program and were very pleased with the price. The car is fully loaded with options and listed at $105,000 plus. The Audi SQ8 is a driver's car and meant to be pushed. We have driven it through the Appalachian Mountains over Interstate 40 to Pinehurst and the handling was awesome, secure, and safe. We just got back from Naples, Florida, and the car was a great cruiser with almost unlimited power. The best part is that after driving for 8 hours, we arrived at our destination feeling like we just departed. We have received many compliments regarding the exterior and interior of the car. Even our neighbors, who are not known as car people, have stopped by to inquire as to where we bought it. The big difference between the Audi and the Tesla is the feeling of safety and being in total control. The Audi is a big vehicle and provides a driver's view looking down on the Tesla driver. It is just a great road vehicle.
Lucio Upton 2025-02-04
After test driving several SUVs, I found the perfect one for me. This SUV performs superbly and has all the bells and whistles you would need. It can be a nanny vehicle but if you don't want that the 'offenders' can be shut off. While there may not be a lot of interior cubby space, it's a small price to pay for such a great vehicle. And let's be honest, the gas mileage is worth it for the fun you'll have driving it!
Emiliano Rowe 2025-01-18
I absolutely fell in love with the Q8 when I first saw it in 2019. I remember spotting it for the first time in a Whole Foods parking lot and being immediately intrigued. It was unlike any other Audi I had seen before, with a sporty and unique look that really caught my eye. Compared to the Q7, which I thought looked too much like a wagon, the Q8 had a much more stylish and modern appearance. In fact, I think Audi did a better job than BMW and Mercedes in terms of creating a Sports Activity Coupe type vehicle that looks great from every angle. While the BMW X6 has a ghastly rear end and the Mercedes GLE is a decent take on the coupe version of an SUV, the Audi Q8 executes the look flawlessly, especially toward the rear of the vehicle. And let's talk about the interior - it's absolutely phenomenal. Clean, modern, and packed with tech, this is the perfect vehicle for anyone who loves cutting-edge features. Some people complain about the piano black interiors, but I think the clean lines are unbeatable. Audi did an amazing job incorporating the air vents across the panel with a seamless, modern look. While there are no real buttons (only digital), you get used to it very quickly, especially if you use the steering wheel buttons to navigate the Audi's numerous functions. However, I do have one complaint - the Audi 6-cylinder Q8 55 TFSI has some serious throttle lag. I've called my local Audi dealership several times about the Auto Stop/Start function not engaging quickly enough. Often, the engine shuts off at a rolling stop at an intersection, anticipating a full stop. However, if the intersection is clear and you proceed with a turn, it takes a good 2-4 seconds for the engine to engage after you apply the pedal. Despite this issue, I still think the Q8 is an amazing vehicle that's definitely worth considering.When driving the 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI, I experienced some issues with the transmission. The engine shifted from first and second gears very quickly, which felt unnatural. However, after 10K mileage service, the dealership admitted there was a problem and applied a tuning patch which helped things somewhat. On the other hand, the 8-cylinder SQ8 is a much better option than the 6-cylinder 55 TFSI. The engine is incredibly responsive, with so much power available in every gear. The transmission shifts as one would expect and anticipate. The sound of the SQ8 is throaty, but not annoyingly loud or obnoxious, unless you want it to be. The air suspension provides excellent ride quality, and in dynamic mode, stiffens enough to feel like you are driving a car, instead of a large, heavy SUV. The SQ8 is perfect for those who want a car-like driving experience. I test drove a Range Rover Sport prior to this purchase, and that vehicle felt top-heavy and disconnected from the road. Not the case with the Audi Q8 or SQ8.If you're considering the Audi SQ8, I highly recommend it! The power, torque, and sound are absolutely incredible and well worth the investment. While the 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI Q8 is a great vehicle, it lacked the power and presence that I was looking for. The RSQ8 is stunning and aggressive, but the additional 90 HP didn't justify the extra 40-50K for me. The SQ8, however, is a masterpiece that fits perfectly between the 55 TFSI and the RSQ8. It's a phenomenal competitor to the BMW M models and mid-level Mercedes AMG class SUVs, and definitely worth considering when shopping for this class of vehicle.
Raheem Feeney 2025-01-14
If you're searching for a large luxury sporty performance SUV that can compete with the Porsche Cayenne GTS, look no further! This SUV is very fast, very nimble with all-wheel steering, and has excellent visibility. The style and workmanship are beautiful, and it even has a detuned Lamborghini 500 hp motor. For car enthusiasts looking for a large SUV, this is truly nirvana - and all for $25K less!