2020 Audi Q8Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2020 Audi Q8, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-516 the manufacturer reports only 94% of affected cars repaired.

2020 Audi Q8

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2020 Audi Q8 has problems

28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine80
Electrical system60
Forward collision avoidance51
Fuel system, gasoline30
Fuel/propulsion system30
Power train20
Steering22
Back over prevention20
Visibility/wiper10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2020 Audi Q8 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

69%repaired · 2026 Q3

Sensing system: camera

New

Recall 25V-900 · Dec 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles · 246,281 repaired

Risk. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2024 Q3

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 22V-516 · Jul 20, 2022 · 49,443 vehicles · 46,484 repaired

Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2022 Q1

Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Recall 20V-272 · May 13, 2020 · 531 vehicles · 519 repaired

Risk. If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2020 vs. every other Q8 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Q8 median. How we score

'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2020 Audi Q8 safety ratings

2020 Audi Q8 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2020 Audi Q8 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2020 Audi Q8 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2020 Audi Q8 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.8% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Q8 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I am reporting an ongoing cooling-system/water-pump issue with my 2020 Audi Q8, approximately 75,000 miles. The problem began when the vehicle repeatedly displayed a low-coolant warning. Inspection confirmed the coolant level was very low and a significant problem involving the coolant pump/vacuum…
Complaint 11758701 · Aug 22, 2026
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…
Complaint 11712895 · Jan 23, 2026
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
Complaint 11693465 · Oct 14, 2025

Own a 2020 Q8?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.