2020 Audi Q8

I am reporting a severe safety hazard on my 2020 Audi Q8 directly caused by the software update for NHTSA Recall 25V900 (Audi 90TV). The recall shows as "completed" on my VIN, but it left the vehicle with an active driver assistance defect that did not exist before. No accident has occurred, but there is a severe risk of a crash. Following the recall, the Audi Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring) behavior changed dangerously. When I signal a lane change while a vehicle is in my blind spot, the mirror LEDs blink only 3 times and then return to a solid, dim state—even though the vehicle is still actively there. If you miss that brief 3-blink window, the dim LED falsely implies the lane is clear. This has caused 3 separate highway close calls (no crash occurred) where I almost merged into a vehicle because the warning period is inadequately short. This defect followed a catastrophic failure during the recall execution. I dropped the car at Audi Chantilly on Jan 13, 2026. When picked up on Jan 29, the lane-keep assist was broken (bouncing the vehicle left and right between lanes) and an SOS malfunction light was on. It took the dealer over 2 additional months to "fix" the corrupted camera/localization modules, finally returning the car in early April. While the major module errors are gone, the underlying side assist logic remains broken and hazardous. Because of a bitter, 3-month waiting experience where the vehicle was degraded, I do not trust Audi Chantilly to fix this. I need guidance on how to compel Audi to investigate this post-recall software defect and allow me to have it corrected at a different dealership.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Engine failed at 78,990 from an manufacturer defect that Audi knows about for the last couple of years. Audi extended warranty due to the failure to 8 years or 80K miles. The engines can lock up due to a piston failure in the scored cylinder walls causing a crash. Oil consumption is very high causing vehicle to burn oil and not pass smoke test. Please investigate these engine failure and manufacturer defects with this engine in multiple vehicles 3.0L turbo gas engine thanks

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My cameras are not working sometimes. I received a recall notification on my app regarding backup camera. I did a software update at the dealer audi of queens on 1/6/26. Cameras were working fine for a week, but now I started having issues again.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Water pump failed coolant leaked all over the vehicle five years old and a $7500 repair vacuum seals and most of the engine is damaged from the coolant. I have the video from the dealership but can’t upload

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 for people that have faulty engines and can make the car crash when engine locks up

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am reporting a safety defect issue that I believe is an alternator recall waiting to happen. While driving with my children, my Audi suffered a sudden, complete electrical failure caused by what I was later told is an alternator defect. The vehicle shut off without warning. At that moment, I lost braking power, the ability to shift into neutral, and full control of the vehicle’s speed. Because of this defect, I was unable to slow or stop the car safely putting myself, my passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this alternator issue constitutes a recall-worthy safety defect under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The vehicle is a 2020 model with less than 55k miles and experienced coolant leaks. Specifically, the water pump was faulty and leaked causing coolant liquid to leak in additional lines and gaskets. The repairs resulted into costs upwards of $5k. When I first brought into dealer, the service rep mentioned that the fluctuating coolant lines wouldn’t be an issue but I further pressed them on doing a pressure test to which the issue was discovered. This is a huge safety problem if my engine was to overheat or face and other issues on the leak. I’ve never heard of a water pump going bad so quickly.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

- The water pump failed, leading to a coolant leak and potential engine overheating. The failed component is not available for inspection, as it was replaced by an independent repair shop after the dealership quoted an excessive price and could not complete the repair in a timely manner. - A failing water pump can cause engine overheating, sudden power loss, or complete engine failure while driving, which increases the risk of an accident. Additionally, I noticed the smell of coolant inside the cabin, which could indicate a leak that might pose a fire hazard or expose occupants to coolant fumes. - Yes, the issue was diagnosed by an Audi dealership (Audi Northlake), which confirmed that the water pump had failed and needed replacement. Due to their high repair quote and scheduling delays, I had the repair completed at an independent service center, which also confirmed the failure and replaced the water pump. - The issue was confirmed by an Audi dealership but was not formally inspected by Audi corporate, law enforcement, or an insurance company. - Yes, I noticed a coolant smell inside the cabin for a few days before taking it to the dealership. However, there were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard before the failure was diagnosed.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle independently activated the brakes, and the driver and passenger side seat belts tightened. The contact stated that there was a RED warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had used the left turn signal. The contact stated that failure had occurred 3 other times while making a left turn with the left turn signal engaged. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turn assist intervention safety feature had independently engaged and a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an intermittent failure with the front view and rear-view cameras. The contact stated during the failure, the image on the screen either froze or flickered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The door locking on the Audi Q8 is consistently malfunctioning, indicating either open doors or locked doors that can still be opened. This poses an urgent safety risk as it increases the potential for theft and unauthorized access to the vehicle, jeopardizing the safety of occupants and their belongings. The malfunction must be addressed immediately to prevent further safety hazards. The malfunction compromises the safety of occupants, especially children, who could potentially open the doors while the car is locked. This increases the risk of accidents and theft, posing a serious threat to everyone's safety. Urgent action is required to rectify this issue and ensure the security of the vehicle. The problem with the central locking system in the Audi Q8 has been widely reported in the Audi community and forums, yet Audi has failed to acknowledge it as a widespread issue. This negligence puts the safety of Q8 owners at risk and must be addressed promptly to prevent any further incidents. The dealership has inspected the vehicle, but urgent action is needed to identify and rectify the malfunctioning component or system causing the locking issue. This will ensure the safety and security of the vehicle and its occupants. The malfunctioning doors on the Audi Q8 have been an ongoing issue since the vehicle was purchased, with no warning signs prior to the failures. This erratic behavior poses an imminent safety threat and requires immediate attention to prevent any further incidents.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil needed to be topped off frequently. The Check Oil warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 customers. Quite dangerous

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On or about September 19, 2023, I was driving to work when all of a sudden, while I was driving, I received 2 error codes: 1) electrical system maintenance malfunction; and 2) vehicle starting system malfunction. I proceeded driving to work, and when I got there, no problems arose. I contacted Audi dealership to inquire about the problems, as I had only bought the vehicle maybe 2 months prior. I was informed that the vehicle cannot be driven, and I need to have it towed to the dealership immediately, as the car would more than likely breakdown and I would be stranded. I started researching the issue and discovered that this is an ongoing issue that has been happening for quite some time. Apparently, Audi has been aware of this issue for YEARS, and has failed to inform consumers or customers because they do not have the parts in stock to do a formal recall. As of this moment, my car is still at the dealer, and I am awaiting confirmation that the issue is the issue with the alternator as it relates to the battery, which is faulty. I have been informed that Audi is aware of the issue and the part has been on back order for quite some time. it could be weeks, if not months, for them to have the part needed to fix the vehicle. I do not have a loaner yet, and getting one has been an extreme pain and inconvenience, but it appears that Audi will do nothing to recall this problem due to the part shortage. I am grateful I discovered the problem when I did, and it did not cause any harm to me or anyone I know. However, there are SO many cars still on the road that this will affect, and it is a safety concern that should be looked into further.

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the soonest repair appointment available is in October 2023.

Reported

Apr 2023

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Recall has been open since the middle of last year. Defective part represents potential fire risk Dealer says they dont know when they will have the part to repair my car Manufacturers says no parts are available yet and they dont know when they will have them. This is not credible or reasonable. This vehicle is still in production and they are prioritizing sale of new vehicles over repair of existing safety issues

Reported

Apr 2023

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I purchased the vehicle as a CPO, two days (1/28/23)and 200 miles later I got a warning”Electrical system malfunction”. I turned the vehicle off/on and the message reappeared every time. I spoke to the dealership they advised that the issue is know to abruptly shut down power to the vehicle at any given time even while driving. I had the vehicle towed to the Audi dealership.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My boyfriend was driving the vehicle and it killed on him in the middle of Veterans Highway in Metairie. La back in August 2022. I did not want to drive the car after that. I have grandkids and am a single female and do not want to die or get in a serious accident because the fuel is not getting to the engine properly, or be stranded on the side of the road. i then tried to sell the car and was told that a recall was issued and no one would sell it for me. and so then I was not going to sell a vehicle that is now a danger to everyone on the road. I am still having to pay a car note, and insurance on a car I cannot drive. I have since tried to make several appointments with Audi to get this corrected and they have cancelled on me 3 times because there is no remedy/ solution. I had the car towed to Audi because I refuse to drive a car on the road that is unsafe and put everyone in danger and my grandkids. I even asked them for a rental and they told me because I did not buy the car from that Audi they could not provide me with one.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

- Problem: Locking system malfunctions leaving at least one door in an unlocked state. The door(s) can be opened while the ignition is on and the car is not in park or when the car is parked with the ignition off. - Safety risks: Carjacking, bodily harm, death, theft of vehicle or its contents. - Problem has been confirmed by a dealer and manufacturer. - Vehicle has been serviced multiple times between July 2021 and July 2022 in an attempt to fix the problem. - Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem appeared at time of failure. No warning lamps, etc. PRIOR to the failure.

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the curb and dirt. After the crash, the vehicle was undrivable and was towed to the dealer. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. Prior to the crash the passenger side air pressure monitoring system would randomly become activated. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,500.

Reported

Feb 2022

Incident date

Jun 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

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 Damage ). On June 16 , 2020 while driving in traffic the instrument pannel lights up and shows the same message as above mentioned . About 30 seconds later, the Audi pulls hard to the Right jumps the curb and crashes the car . The Driver is Emotionally hurt & upset but is able to call Triple A as the entire right front of the Audi is completely damage with a turbo charger laying on the ground and part of the front missing or smashed --!!! The car looks Totaled !! Major damage to the car . It Still in AutomotiveREPAIR shop getting repaired after being there for over 19 weeks so far . Got an initial check for over $ 26k from my insurance company but now am told the Frame Could be bent as the pannels do not line up correctly . What an absolute Mess - !! This terrible acident was NOT my fault !! The Audi served to the Right- without me even turning the wheel. ( I should have been Killed). The Audi SQ8 was towed to the Repair Shop where I reported the malfunction of the sterring wheel. The repair Manager said " that I would have to call Audi and that he could do nothing about the problem ." I called Audi the Next Day and they said they could Not do anything about it also . So i goggled the Audi website and found this - --" NHTSA Warns you could lose Steering control in some more Audi's SQ 8 SUV's which has prompted Audi to recall certain 2020 SQ 8- as in some cases could cause a crash. !! The bolt connecting the steering shaft could losen . The total units affected to be around 228 according to NHTSA. Recall of SQ 8's is expected to begin arround May 15 , 2020. Question call 800-253-2834 or NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1 - 88& 327 4236.

Reported

Oct 2021

Incident date

Jun 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

On several occasions, the supposed "driver's assistance" almost made me crash. In two or three cases, the assistance slammed on my breaks unnecessarily when a vehicle in front of me changed lanes, which almost caused me to be rear ended. In another, even more concerning case, the assistance accelerated heavily just as a slower vehicle moved into my lane of traffic, which was extremely dangerous. This technology is too basic to be trusted and too dangerous to use.

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

May 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

EVERY TIM TOWING A TRAILER AND HITCH WEIGHT IS OVER 300 LBS ( SPECIFICATION SHOWS 770 LBS MAX, ORIGINAL AUDI HITCH INSTALLED CAME WITH THE CAR ) THE AUDI LIMITED PRE-SENSE WARNING GOES ON AFTER ~45 MIN DRIVE WITH TRAILER. AFTER THAT NO DISTANCE WARNING OR CRUSE CONTROL (ADAPTIVE) POSSIBLE. AFTER REMOVING THE TRAILER - THE ISSUE CONTINUES. ONLY SOLVE IS A NEW CALIBRATION OF RADAR SYSTEM AT AUDI DEALER (2 DAYS) AND SAME ISSUE RETURNS WHEN TOWING A TRAILER AGAIN. (HAPPEN NOW 5 TIMES SINCE JAN 2020 - WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR) - AND WE TOWED 2 DIFFERENT TRAILERS TRAILER 1 - 350 LBS HITCH WEIGHT, TRAILER 2 700 LBS HITCH WEIGHT - NO SOLVE BY AUDI PROVIDED

Reported

Jan 2021

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 HESITATE FOR WHAT FELT LIKE A SECOND OR TWO WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH IF SOMEONE WAS COMING IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.

Reported

Oct 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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).

Risk: 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.

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.

Risk: 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.

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."

Risk: 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.