2021 Audi Q8
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Decode a VIN7 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record for this model year.
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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. The coolant shut-off valve failure allowed coolant to migrate into the vacuum harness, vacuum reservoir which contaminated the water pump. This resulted in the vacuum system becoming filled with coolant, compromising components that rely on vacuum pressure to function correctly. The combination of these failures — water pump contamination, coolant shut-off valve failure, and a coolant-contaminated vacuum system — points to a defect in the design or manufacturing of these components rather than an isolated or wear-related issue.
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. I let the Audi (Fred Lavery Birmingham Michigan) know. They did not respond / did nothing. It has happens at least 10x at varying speeds (some high, med and low speed) since the day I left the dealership
I was driving my car would not accelerate on the highway and it almost caused me to get into an accident with my niece in the car. When I took the car to Audi this is what I was told my the service adviser. “Good afternoon. The technician has been looking into the vehicle and has found the cause of the issue. He has found the coolant water pump has failed internally causing coolant to leak internally into the vacuum system. This is causing the vacuum to be blocked for the turbo and thus causing the sluggish feeling when accelerating. In order to fix, the water pump and all compromised vacuum system components need to be replaced. It is a rather extensive job unfortunately.” My car only has a little over 45 thousand miles. Audi should be responsible to fix this problem because they sold this car knowing the water was faulty in these models. I recall should have been put out. I was quoted $6,000 to fix this problem.
Belt Starter Generator failure rendered car undrivable -- power steering failed while in motion. Issue is subject to Class Action Settlement in USDistrict Court, Case # 3:23-cv-02291-RK-RLS. But this should have been a recall because of danger of Injury or Death. A recall would provide notice that the notice of settlement failed to provide. This failure happened to me on March 29, 2026. Dealer is not able to do the repair work in a timely manner.
Audi Q8 failed water pump leading to severe loss of power and a major safety issue. I was merging on a very busy highway when I had loss of power with my children in the vehicle. This was alarming as I was not able to accelerate as anticipated and had no warning/notice that this was going to occur, and others around me did not know what was going on as well. This is a known complaint and issue in these vehicles and a major safety issue. Audi should stand behind their quality and it is dissapointing costly repair that shouldn’t be needed at 50 k (right outside of warranty). This issue can cause a detrimental accident.
The engine (internal mechanical failure) malfunctioned. The vehicle developed a persistent ticking/knocking noise from the engine bay, and the authorized Audi dealer diagnosed the issue as requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A catastrophic engine failure presents a risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or engine seizure, which could occur while driving at speed or in traffic. This creates a potential risk of loss of vehicle control, inability to accelerate, or being stranded in unsafe conditions, endangering both the driver and other motorists. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership, which diagnosed the vehicle and stated that a complete engine replacement is required. The estimated repair cost provided by the dealer is approximately $26,000 (so far in parts only). The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Audi dealership. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Audi corporate has been contacted for review. The primary symptom was a persistent ticking noise from the engine bay, which began around late December 2025 / early January 2026. There were no immediate warning lights or dashboard messages at the onset of the noise. The noise progressively worsened, prompting dealer inspection and diagnosis.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to operate. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred the same day while driving from the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the messages "Loss of Power", "Reduced RPMs to 3,000", and other unknown messages were displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Subject: Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering – 2021 Audi Q8 Summary: On 8/5/2025, while driving my 2021 Audi Q8 under normal conditions, the sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a loud popping sound, followed by glass breaking and falling onto the closed sunroof shade. There were no visible signs of impact from external objects, and weather conditions were normal at the time of the incident. The vehicle was not involved in a collision and was being operated safely. This incident created a serious safety hazard, as the loud popping sound once the sunroof ruptured could have cause me to get into an accident. I am also lucky that the sun roof shade was closed or the pieces could have struck me inside my vehicle. I will be contacting insurance and Audi dealership regarding the damage. However, after researching online, I found similar complaints from other Audi owners, suggesting this may be a recurring issue with panoramic sunroofs across multiple models. I am reporting this to the NHTSA because I believe this could indicate a potential defect in the sunroof glass or its installation. I request an investigation into this matter to ensure the safety of other drivers who may be at risk.
Purchased my car used from Volkswagen of west islip. After a few months I was doing regular maintenance when I noticed that the brake sensor was missing and the harness was tampered with. The brake wear sensor was removed from the front driver side and a small price of wire/ conductive material was inserted into the harness to trick the cars system into on seeing the sensor in a safe and working manner. This would prevent the cars system from alerting me when the brakes need to be replaced which could have resulted in resulted in a serious accident due to brake failure. I feel like this was either deliberately done by the dealer before selling the car to save a few dollars or was overlooked during what should have been a basic safety inspection before listing the vehicle for sale. After reaching out to the dealer- they refused to fix the issue.
On April 2, 2025, while driving on Interstate 25, my 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus experienced a catastrophic engine and electrical failure. This included the generator system failing, which resulted in a complete loss of power, disabling all active safety systems (including electronic stability control, braking assist, and lane monitoring), as well as basic driving capabilities such as acceleration and steering responsiveness. The incident occurred without prior warning or diagnostic alerts, and the vehicle became immobile on the highway. The situation posed a serious safety hazard to both myself and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had an unresolved generator recall, which Audi later confirmed and completed after the incident. This event raises significant concerns regarding system reliability and pre-failure alert mechanisms in the Q8 platform.
I had purchases a 2021 Audi Q8 from Carmax on 10/16/2024. There was a time that I was driving at 35 mph in the left lane which I had my signal on to proceed in the turning lane when the car went into park and the crash indicator was on. I was jerked by the force. I also notice when you turn the car on there was a knocking sound. I had taken the vehicle into Westmont Audi on 11/22/2024. They had checked it out and said the noise was normal. I advised them to do a complete inspection on the vehicle while it was under warranty to make sure there was no other issues. They said everything looked great and that there were no codes. They don't know why the car had stopped. They did the 50k inspection as well. After that I start to experience indicator on for Intersection assistant malfunction please contact service, Audi pre sense; currently limited see owner's Manuel, and Rear Cross-Traffic assist: Malfunction, please contact service. At first thought it was normal but then it was persistent. On 2/11/2025 the check engine light had come on. I called the dealer on 2/12/2025 first thing in the morning. They advised me that it will be under warranty. I had dropped the car off to Westmont Audi and we went over the issues the vehicle was having. They informed me that it was under warranty. Once I left, they called and said it will not be covered. According to their investigation its two software that have to be updated. One for the pre sense and other for a misfire. The vehicle drags to pick up speed. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. The vehicle is not safe to drive because it is not 100% working properly the software's along with other issues. Also, I had them do a scan on the vehicle and there were so many codes on which I have attached them. It now will cost over $500.00 in repairs.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain, the automatic braking system sensors engaged. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The driver believed that the vehicle had struck an object. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to repair the sensor, and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The approximate failure mileage was 8,600.
I wish to report a critical safety issue with our Audi Q8, which experienced a complete electrical failure while traveling at 65 mph on the freeway on [XXX]. The warning indicators transitioned from yellow to red before the vehicle lost all functionality, including turn signals and emergency blinkers, posing a severe risk to my family and other motorists. We managed to coast to the roadside without incident, but the potential for a catastrophic outcome was alarmingly high. Audi has identified the problem as an alternator defect, which is apparently a known issue covered under an extended warranty for Audi Q8 2019-2022 for 7 years unlimited miles. However, the policy to address this defect only upon failure is unacceptable and dangerous. This malfunction could reoccur at any time, significantly endangering everyone on the road. Importantly, we frequently tow an Airstream trailer with our Q8. Had this failure occurred while towing, the consequences could have been disastrous on a large scale, endangering not only our family but also other road users due to the increased risk of a multi-vehicle collision, tipping over of Airstream or the Q8 if hit by vehicle who didn’t The replacement part's minimum of 3-8+ weeks wait time exacerbates our concern, leaving us without a vehicle or ability to use our Airstream which is one reason why we purchased the Audi Q8. I am aware of similar incidents of this failure in SF Bay Area across the past 4-6 months, underscores the need for immediate investigation and action to prevent future occurrences. We frequently travel on challenging routes like [XXX] in California as we own a home in Santa Cruz highlight the urgent need for a reliable vehicle. The thought of such a failure under those circumstances on a routine drive home or while towing, is unthinkable but could have happened to us at anytime. We urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of all Q8 drivers public. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle recently started to behave uncharacteristically when navigating around the curbs and changing lanes, it feels like you have hit a patch of black ice or an oil slick which I attributed to needing new tires. I purchased new tires according to the vehicle Audi manufacturer specification and had an alignment done on 2/14/2024 as is required for all-wheel drive vehicles. The situation was explained to the Audi South Atlanta Service Desk on 2/14/2024 and was logged as "Customer states that the vehicle stutters/shakes and tires seem to lower when changing lanes & going around light curves. The Customer requested that the lane departure system and other related components be checked to confirm if they are operating as designed." Dealership feedback: "Test drove: vehicle driven 2 miles and operating normally when compared to the same or similar models. No DTC's detected & lane departure system operating properly at the same time. The only noise/feeling felt was coming from the Audit Quattro bind from the all-wheel drive electronic - normal behavior." Despite the Audi Service Dept diagnosis and analysis of the issue reported, the behavior continues and is very unnerving. It seems like the front and rear axles are not in sync with the Audi Quattro Electronic all-wheel drive system. I reported the matter to Audi of America, Inc. Customer Care, Case# 06125039 on 2/21/2024, and would like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be aware of this situation in the event other owners of the Audit Q8 report the matter or this issue results in death or injuries.
Took Audi Q8 in Jan 29 2024 do to 2 indicates one was a low oil, and a week before a Addaptive Lighting Warning came on my vehicle 2x , the following day to Warning light did NOT appear but the Blind Spot/Lane Assist lights did not operate. They were unable to resolve the issue Fault B200FF - TBS 2067531/2 Cleared fault but still do not work.
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.
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."
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 NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
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."
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
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.
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.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.
The high-pressure fuel pump may not be correctly affixed to the cylinder head. As a result, the connection between the pump and the fuel pipes may not be properly sealed. This may result in a fuel leakage, which could originate a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The product has a defect in the buckle and the anchorage of the seat belt, which may result in insufficient restraining effect of the seatbelt, increasing the risk of injuries, in particular to the passengers of the front seats. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The cell modules of the high-voltage battery could overheat during charging which can lead to a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
A defective welding seam on the front seat back frame can break in the event of an accident. As a result, the person sitting in the seat may hit their head on the B-pillar, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to a problem with the screw connection, the push rod linking the brake pedal and brake booster may become disconnected, causing the foot brake to malfunction. This can result in the loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Overtightening of the screws connections on the brake hoses can lead the screws to break and brake fluid to start leaking. This can cause the failure of one brake circuit, reducing braking performance and compromising driving stability. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The side airbag is insufficiently secured to the front left-hand side of the seat frame. As a result, it may not be able to deploy correctly in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Matched on brand and model name — Safety Gate publishes no VIN. Check the production dates, and quote the recall code to a dealer.