Problem Lookup › Audi › Q8 › 2020
Car problem report
2020 Audi Q8 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Audi Q8 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 28owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9%fail the UK MOT
28 complaints, against an average of 41 for the other 4 Audi Q8 model years.
Every Audi Q8 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Audi Q8?
The components named most often in the 28 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Audi Q8 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 28 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2020 Audi Q8 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Cooling Unit And Lines 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2020 Audi Q8 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASoftware update for battery control unit
Risk: On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.
Fix: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” until the update is applied.
UK DVSAFollowing a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without…FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN THE TOE AND/OR CAMBER VALUES ON THE REAR AXLE MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES INCORRECTLY BE CHANGED WITHOUT THIS BEING NOTICED
Risk: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Fix: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSARear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications
Risk: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Fix: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAGear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line
Risk: It is possible that gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line.
Fix: The production date of the gear oil line must be checked first on the vehicles affected and the gear oil line must be replaced if necessary.
EU Safety GateThe cell modules of the high-voltage battery could overheat during charging which can lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAlteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its…Alteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its carcass may suffer a sudden loss of pressure. This can lead to loss of traction and may affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe nuts on the eccentric bolt of the rear-axle spring-link control arm may break due to stress corrosion.As a result, the rear axle could move in the wrong direction, in an uncontrollable manner at high speeds.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFaulty crash sensors for the airbag restraint systems may have been installed in both the front doors.This could impair the protective effect of the side airbags, head airbags and/or belt tensioners, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAn oil line in the automatic gearbox may have a manufacturing defect.Consequently, oil may leak out onto the road, posing a riskto the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2020 Audi Q8 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Audi Q8 owners report?
12 of the 28 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I am reporting a recurring problem with the front passenger-side window on my 2020 Audi Q8. This issue began when the vehicle was approximately two years old and has continued intermittently. When attempting to close the front passenger window, the window will sometimes automatically reverse direction and go back down instead of closing. On September 7, 2026, after the vehicle was parked and turned off, the passenger window lowered and would not close normally. Each time I attempted to raise it, the window would reverse and lower again. I was eventually able to close the window only by…
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 system was diagnosed. The water pump was subsequently replaced. After the repair, the vehicle initially appeared normal, but problems continued. I experienced engine sputtering/rough running and the vehicle felt as though it might stall while stopped at a traffic light. A Drive System…
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…
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
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…
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…
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
2020 Audi Q8: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Audi Q8 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q8; the most common categories were engine (8, 28.6%), electrical system (6, 21.4%), forward collision avoidance (5, 17.9%). There are 3 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q8?
Across 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (28.6% of complaints), electrical system (21.4% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (17.9% of complaints), fuel system (10.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q8; the most recent (campaign 25V900000, 2025-12-19) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q8 overheat?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q8 (10.7%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11662231, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 Audi Q8 had engine failures?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q8 (10.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11712895, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Q8
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.