Verdict
2020 Audi Q8: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Audi Q8 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 71% of 2020 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (23%). 3 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
26
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
3
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
18
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 71% of 2020 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (23% of 26 reports), followed by electrical system (15%).
+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 26 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11712895, ODI 11693465, ODI 11689306, ODI 11662231, ODI 11643976.
Recalls(3)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power Train · 20V272000Details +Close −
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.
Fuel System · 22V516000Details +Close −
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.
Back Over Prevention · 25V900000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Audi Q8 SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 21 | 18 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Audi Q8: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Audi Q8?
Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Audi Q8 — fewer complaints than 71% of comparable 2020 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Audi Q8?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (23% of complaints) and electrical system (15%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q8 have?
3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Audi Q8, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi Q8 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Audi Q8 at 18 mpg combined.