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Audi Q8
SUV · Gas · 2 versions · owner report
Ranked #15 of 18 luxury midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
9 problems reported (3 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentMajor powertrain failures (water pump/coolant migration) leading to expensive repairs (~$7,500)
- Very frequentPoor resale value and rapid depreciation
- Very frequentPoor real-world range (approximately 130-180 miles / 209-290 km, significantly less in cold weather)
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentVarious electronic/software glitches (camera failures, infotainment errors, warning lights)
- RecurrentApple CarPlay connectivity issues (wireless and wired)
- RecurrentGeneral build quality/reliability concerns (sunroof leaks, door lock failures, parts falling off)
- RecurrentSparse technology/features for its price at launch (e.g
Missing adaptive cruise control, matrix headlights on base models)
- IsolatedLow-frequency "boom" noise from road excitation into the cabin (noted as a design flaw)
- IsolatedVarious dashboard error messages in cold weather
The version owners recommend
For the gasoline Q8/SQ8, the Prestige trim is frequently mentioned as the target for maximizing luxury features. For the performance-oriented SQ8, the Sport Package (including active roll stabilization and a sport rear differential) is specifically highlighted as a desirable option for enhanced driving dynamics. The base Premium/Premium Plus trims are criticized for feeling barebones for a luxury vehicle.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW X5, BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac Escalade.
Is the Q8 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The gasoline-powered Q8 (2019-2024) receives praise for its striking coupe-SUV styling, high-quality and comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and refined driving dynamics. However, it is heavily criticized for significant reliability concerns, particularly with major powertrain components leading to costly out-of-warranty repairs, and for very poor resale value. The Q8 e-tron (electric variant) is appreciated for its exceptional interior build quality, quiet and refined ride, strong charging performance, and solid feeling, but is universally panned for its poor real-world range, which is described as shocking and a major limitation. Sentiment for both is tempered by the high cost of ownership and depreciation.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a stylish, coupe-like luxury SUV with superior interior materials and build quality compared to many American rivals (Escalade, Navigator), but often seen as less reliable and with worse resale value than BMW and Lexus competitors. The gasoline Q8 is noted for having more rear-seat and cargo space than the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe. The electric Q8 e-tron is positioned as a luxurious, solidly-built EV but is criticized for its inefficient, heavy platform and short range compared to newer EV competitors like the BMW iX, making it more of a local commuter vehicle rather than a long-distance tourer.
Recommended configurations
For gasoline models: Prestige trim is recommended. For SQ8, the Sport Package is a key differentiator. An extended warranty is very frequently and strongly recommended due to reliability concerns, especially for vehicles approaching or exceeding 50,000 miles. For the Q8 e-tron, purchasing from a dealer with strong service reviews is advised, and an Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty is suggested for used examples.
General recommendations
Not recommended for buyers planning long-term ownership without a comprehensive extended warranty due to high repair cost risk. Strongly advised to negotiate aggressively, as the model suffers from high depreciation and slow dealer movement, enabling significant discounts off MSRP for new models and low prices on used examples. For the Q8 e-tron, only suitable for buyers with reliable home charging and infrequent long-distance travel needs; it is explicitly described as a local commuter vehicle. Prospective buyers of used gasoline Q8s should thoroughly review maintenance records and budget for a major extended warranty. Test drives should include highway merging to assess power (for non-S/RS models) and a full inspection of all electronic features.
Remarks
Owner discussions reveal a significant reliability crisis for the gasoline-powered Q8, centering on catastrophic engine-related failures just outside the standard warranty period, severely impacting long-term ownership costs and satisfaction. This has led to a strong, repeated consensus on the necessity of an extended warranty. The Q8 e-tron is consistently characterized as a "first-generation EV" based on an adapted ICE platform, which explains its core shortcomings in efficiency and range. Its value proposition is only considered acceptable at deep discounts. The model's styling, both interior and exterior, is widely praised for remaining attractive and competitive years after its launch. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2019. Years to avoid: 2019Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Audi Q8 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2 | engine |
| 2024 | 23 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 2 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 30 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 28 | 3 | engine |
| 2019 | 109 | 5 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices25 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 25V777000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
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."
2024 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 23V868000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
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."
2023 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 23V868000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
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."
2022 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V825000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unitcampaign 22V806000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
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."
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 22V516000
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.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
10 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 4M
55 TFSI V6 Mild Hybrid quattro
3.0L 6-cylinder · 340 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026