2020 Audi Q8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Audi Q8 has a complaint index of 67, ranking 3rd worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 28 complaints and 3 recalls, with engine issues as the top problem area at 32% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Q8 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 28
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 17 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Audi Q8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (32%)
- Electrical System6 (21%)
- Fuel System6 (21%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (18%)
- Other3 (11%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering can suddenly turn on its own at low speed, leading to loss of control and a curb impact.
- The engine or start-stop system hesitates when slowing down and then trying to accelerate, especially during left turns.
- The adaptive cruise and pre-sense driver assistance system can trigger unnecessary hard braking or unexpected acceleration when other vehicles change lanes nearby.
- Towing with the factory hitch can disable distance warning and adaptive cruise control after roughly 45 minutes, requiring a radar recalibration.
- Door locking systems have malfunctioned, leaving doors unlocked or able to open while the ignition is on and the car is not parked.
- Fuel system recall parts have been reported unavailable for extended periods, with owners noting stalling and a lack of fuel reaching the engine.
2020 Audi Q8 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 22V516000Jul 20, 2022Fuel System49,443 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 20V272000May 13, 2020Transmission & Powertrain531 vehicles
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.
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.
2020 Audi Q8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Q8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Audi Q8 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Q8 a complaint index of 67, the third-worst of the 7 model years covered, earning a Caution verdict relative to other Q8 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2020 Audi Q8?
- Engine complaints make up 32% of reports, followed by electrical system and fuel system issues at 21% each, and collision avoidance/camera complaints at 18%.
- Does the 2020 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Q8, covering the rearview camera software, a fuel pump component that may break, and an insufficient transmission oil pipe weld.
- How does the 2020 Q8 compare to other Q8 years?
- The 2020 Q8's complaint index of 67 is better than the 2019 Q8's 100 (Avoid) but worse than the 2023 Q8's 33 (Good); the 2021 and 2024 Q8 also carry Caution and Avoid verdicts.
- At what mileage do 2020 Q8 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: engine complaints centered around 26,500 miles, fuel system and transmission issues around 3,000 miles, and electrical/camera issues around 60,000 miles.