2021 Audi Q8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Audi Q8 has a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 30 NHTSA complaints, 7 recall campaigns, and the top problem area is the electrical system at 43% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Q8 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 30
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Audi Q8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electrical system warnings for alternator or generator failure appear along with dashboard messages urging drivers to stop and pull over safely.
- Rearview and parking-assist cameras go blank or flicker with a white screen during reverse maneuvers, cutting off visibility.
- The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly at highway speed while displaying an electrical warning message, requiring a tow.
- Owners called about the fuel pump recall reported long waits because replacement parts were not available at dealers.
- A front seat belt shoulder harness has tightened unexpectedly while stopped, causing physical discomfort.
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?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Q8 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 4th worst among 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints (30) than the 2019 model (109) but more recalls in some areas remain active.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Audi Q8?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 43% of complaints (13 of 30), including alternator failures and warning lights urging drivers to stop.
- Does the 2021 Audi Q8 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2021 Q8, covering areas like the fuel pump, rearview camera software, instrument panel display, seat belts, and rear axle lock nuts.
- How does the 2021 Audi Q8 compare to other Q8 years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 50 is better than 2019 (100, Avoid) and 2020 (67, Caution), but worse than 2023 (33, Good). The 2024 model also carries an Avoid verdict with an index of 83.
- At what mileage do 2021 Audi Q8 problems typically appear?
- Median mileage at failure for the model overall is 8,600 miles, though Engine and Transmission complaints had a median of 3,500 miles, and Fuel System complaints averaged 60,000 miles.