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2020 Audi Q8 problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Audi Q8 is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical Q8 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
67/100
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
1,3372 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2020 Audi Q8 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    9
  • Electrical
    6
  • Fuel system
    6
  • Driver assistance
    5
  • Steering
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    9
  • Electrical
    6
  • Fuel system
    6
  • Driver assistance
    5
  • Steering
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 3

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported December 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 on December 23, 2025.

Recall number 25V900000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported July 20, 2022 · 49,443 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 22V516000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported May 13, 2020 · 531 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V272000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q8

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Audi Q8 1,337

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,337 bulletins for the 2020 Audi Q8

2020 Audi Q8 crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Audi Q8 SUV AWD5554

2020 Audi Q8 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl HybridAWD172118

What 2020 Audi Q8 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · FL

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 repeatedly operating the switch in very small increments until the glass finally reached the fully closed and sealed position. I have previously cleaned the window and window-channel area and attempted to resolve the problem, but the condition continues to return. Because the window can unexpectedly lower and can become extremely difficult or impossible to close normally, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the window regulator, anti-pinch system, door control module, or related software/electrical components. This has been an intermittent problem for several years and is not normal wear or a one-time occurrence. I am reporting it so the federal safety agency can determine whether other owners of 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles are experiencing similar front-window failures and whether further investigation is warranted.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · FL

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 Malfunction/check-engine warning appeared, and cruise control/driver-assistance functions became unavailable. The check-engine light has continued to return intermittently. There was also an issue with a loose cap following the water-pump repair, which was corrected. Despite this, the low-coolant warning later returned and the coolant reservoir was again confirmed to be low. Coolant was added and the vehicle was returned to the repair facility to locate a leak. The shop kept the vehicle for several days and ran it for approximately two hours while inspecting it but could not reproduce or locate a coolant leak. The check-engine light went out during testing but returned shortly after the vehicle was picked up and driven normally. A sensor was also replaced based on a diagnostic code, but the check-engine light returned afterward. I have now spent more than $3,000 attempting to correct these issues, yet the cause of the recurring coolant loss and warning lights has not been determined. I am concerned that this may represent a recurring defect involving the water pump/cooling or related vacuum-control system. My primary safety concern is the possibility of unexpected coolant loss, overheating, engine malfunction, reduced power, or stalling while driving. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and investigated for similar incidents involving 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Driver assistance · VA

I am reporting a severe safety hazard on my 2020 Audi Q8 directly caused by the software update for the federal safety agency 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 actively there. If you miss that brief 3-blink window, the dim LED falsely implies the lane is clear. This has caused 3 separate highway close calls (no crash occurred) where I almost merged into a vehicle because the warning period is inadequately short. This defect followed a catastrophic failure during the recall execution. I dropped the car at Audi Chantilly on Jan 13, 2026. When picked up on Jan 29, the lane-keep assist was broken (bouncing the vehicle left and right between lanes) and an SOS malfunction light was on. It took the dealer over 2 additional months to "fix" the corrupted camera/localization modules, finally returning the car in early April. While the major module errors are gone, the underlying side assist logic remains broken and hazardous. Because of a bitter, 3-month waiting experience where the vehicle was degraded, I do not trust Audi Chantilly to fix this. I need guidance on how to compel Audi to investigate this post-recall software defect and allow me to have it corrected at a different dealership.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine · ID

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

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · NY

My cameras are not working sometimes. I received a recall notification on my app regarding backup camera. I did a software update at the dealer audi of queens on 1/6/26. Cameras were working fine for a week, but now I started having issues again.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Engine · FL

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

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Engine · ID

Catastrophic engine failure on Audi Q8 3.0L turbo. Per service manager it a know issue and Audi just sent out a letter extending engine warranty to 80,000 miles. Per Audiworld forum Audi is replacing some engines and charging some owners $27,000 Audi needs to be investigated and held accountable for people that have faulty engines and can make the car crash when engine locks up

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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 the federal safety agency investigate whether this alternator issue constitutes a recall-worthy safety defect under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Filed May 20, 2025 · Engine · SC

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. When I first brought into dealer, the service rep mentioned that the fluctuating coolant lines wouldn’t be an issue but I further pressed them on doing a pressure test to which the issue was discovered. This is a huge safety problem if my engine was to overheat or face and other issues on the leak. I’ve never heard of a water pump going bad so quickly.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Engine · NC

- The water pump failed, leading to a coolant leak and potential engine overheating. The failed component is not available for inspection, as it was replaced by an independent repair shop after the dealership quoted an excessive price and could not complete the repair in a timely manner. - A failing water pump can cause engine overheating, sudden power loss, or complete engine failure while driving, which increases the risk of an accident. Additionally, I noticed the smell of coolant inside the cabin, which could indicate a leak that might pose a fire hazard or expose occupants to coolant fumes. - Yes, the issue was diagnosed by an Audi dealership (Audi Northlake), which confirmed that the water pump had failed and needed replacement. Due to their high repair quote and scheduling delays, I had the repair completed at an independent service center, which also confirmed the failure and replaced the water pump. - The issue was confirmed by an Audi dealership but was not formally inspected by Audi corporate, law enforcement, or an insurance company. - Yes, I noticed a coolant smell inside the cabin for a few days before taking it to the dealership. However, there were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard before the failure was diagnosed.

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Questions about the 2020 Audi Q8

Is the 2020 Audi Q8 reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2020 Audi Q8, close to a typical Q8 model year.

What is the 2020 Audi Q8 year score?

The 2020 Audi Q8 scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q8: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Audi Q8?

Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q8 have?

3 recalls, covering back over prevention, fuel system, gasoline and power train.

Is the 2020 Audi Q8 safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2020 Audi Q8 scored 5 out of 5 stars overall.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi Q8 get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Audi Q8 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 17 city and 21 highway.

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