2021 Audi Q8
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 30 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 110 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
43% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Complete loss of electrical power while driving due to faulty alternator at only 35K miles. This resulted in total loss of steering, suspension failure, and any other electrical systems in the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28
Vehicle reported an electrical failure and to stop vehicle. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service reported Alternator failure and a 6-8 week repair time as part is on back order.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-26
When driving, my car had several red and yellow warning lights that came one - one for electrical system, the other for Vehicle starting malfunction and another was a battery sign. The vehicle also had delays starting.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-22
Engine
20% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shutoff as the electrical problem, see local dealer warning message appeared on the instrument panel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-10
Also filed under Power train
Power train
17% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
At approximately 52,000 miles, on August 11,2026 (or earlier), my vehicle developed a coolant leak that was traced to a failed coolant shut off valve.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18
Fuel system, gasoline
13% · 4 reportsSteering
10% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On multiple occasions, the car states there is a steering malfunction and to stop the car immediately. Power steering fails. The last time I left the car to the dealership to have a recall serviced - it did this.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-09
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
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2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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2022-12-22Fuel system, gasoline22V516000 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.
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.
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2025-04-24Electrical system25V201000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
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2026-01-14Back over prevention25V900000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Audi Q8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
- Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
- Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 22V516000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 25V201000 · Electrical system
- Recall 25V900000 · Back over prevention
FAQ
- Is the 2021 Audi Q8 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q8?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q8 have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.