2021 Audi Q8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#3 most-complained of 7 Q8 years
The 2021 Audi Q8 has a complaint index of 67, ranking 3rd worst out of 7 model years, with 30 complaints, 7 recalls, and a top problem area of Electrical System at 43% of complaints. This puts it in the Caution category relative to other Q8 years.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 23 hwy
Top 2021 Audi Q8 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System13 (43%)
- Engine7 (23%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (20%)
- Fuel System6 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (17%)
- Other3 (10%)
- Steering3 (10%)
- Lane Departure2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving at highway speed with an electrical warning message telling them to see the dealer.
- Some describe the rear-view/parking assist camera going blank or blinking white, cutting off visibility while backing up, even after a related recall repair.
- Others report dashboard warning lights for the electrical system, battery, and a 'vehicle starting malfunction' message, along with delayed starting and fear of being stranded.
- Several owners waited extended periods for fuel pump recall parts to become available after being notified of the fuel system recall.
- One owner reported the front seat belt shoulder harness tightening suddenly at a stop, causing chest discomfort.
- A repeated issue involves alternator/generator failure tied to electrical warning lights, requiring lengthy repair waits due to backordered parts.
2021 Audi Q8 recalls
7 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 25V201000Mar 31, 2025Electrical System44,387 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 22V742000Oct 5, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras170,296 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
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."
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2021 Audi Q8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 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.
2021 compared with other Q8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi Q8 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Q8 a complaint index of 67, the third worst of the 7 model years with data, earning a Caution rating relative to other Q8 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q8?
- Electrical System complaints make up 43% of reports, followed by Engine at 23%, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Fuel System each at 20%.
- Does the 2021 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 Q8, covering electrical instrument panel software, rearview camera display software, fuel pump failure, seat belt assemblies, suspension lock nuts, and rear axle alignment.
- How does the 2021 Q8 compare to other years?
- The 2021 Q8 (complaint index 67) ranks better than the 2019 model (complaint index 100, Avoid) but worse than the 2020 model (complaint index 50, Caution) and the 2023 model (complaint index 33, Good).
- At what mileage do 2021 Audi Q8 problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints for the 2021 Q8 is 8,600 miles, though engine and transmission issues were reported at a median of 3,500 miles.