Audi carsCode 4M
Audi Q8 problems (2018–today)
We have documented 2 engines for the Audi Q8; the 3.0 TDI V6 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]
Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Audi Q8 has mostly accumulated recalls (rear axle, steering, front shock absorber, automatic gearbox, side airbag and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. According to Carbuyer, it is a recent model with little reliability history, and Audi came 30th out of 32 brands in Driver Power 2023.[2][3][4][5]
Audi Q8 rating: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 10 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. One of this car's engines has no documented faults in the versions it uses, but there aren't enough sources to call it reliable either, so it doesn't count towards the engine score. How it is calculated
- Engine5.23 faults
- Gearbox7.91 fault
- Suspension7.03 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering7.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system7.11 fault
- Headlights and lights8.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.91 fault
Ranked 51 of 64 among the Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking
The weak points of the Audi Q8
- 1High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
- 2Critical severity: Corrosion of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt nutsSuspension
- 3Critical severity: Bolt joining the steering shaft to the rack tightened to insufficient torqueSteering
- 4Critical severity: Overheating of the high-voltage battery cell modules when charging (plug-in hybrids)Electrical system
- 5High severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear3.0 TDI V6 engine
Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk
- 3.0 TDI V6since 2018 · 45 TDI · 50 TDIMost serious fault:High severityVerdict:Buy
- Audi 3.0 TFSI V6since 2018 · 55 TFSI 340 CVNo faults that affect itVerdict:BuySafest option
The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines
See what to check before buyingOutside the engine
7 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Campaign 93QQ: high-voltage battery cell modules. See the campaigns for the Audi Q8
VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel
- In the Q8
- since 2018[6]
- Names
- 45 TDI · 50 TDI
- Faults that affect it
- 3 · all of high or critical severity
Verdict for the versions it uses
3.0 TDI EA897 evo2 (DCPC, DDVC, DDVB, DHXA, DHXC, DENA, DEWA, DEWB; 2017-2021)2017–2021 · 231–349 hp · DCPC, DDVC, DDVB, DDVE, DHXA, DHXC, DENA, DEND, DEWA, DEWB
BuyA 2024 guide to the A6 C8 reports no current complaints about camshafts or the oil pump in the EA897 family, although there is little history and it keeps the general warning that a chain failure costs several thousand euros.[1]
3.0 TDI EA897 evo3 (DMGA, DMGH, DPXA, DPXB, DMGK, DMKC, DMKD; from 2020)since 2020 · 231–344 hp · DMGA, DMGH, DMGK, DPXA, DPXB, DPYC, DPYD, DMKC, DMKD
BuyThere are no documented faults of its own in the sources consulted and the A6 C8 guide reports only positive opinions; these are young engines with little history.[1][6]
Faults that affect the Q8
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6
Safest optionAudi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol
- In the Q8
- since 2018[7]
- Name
- 55 TFSI 340 CV
- Faults that affect it
- 0
Verdict for the version it uses
3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards)since 2016 · 330–354 hp · CZSE, DR, CWGD
BuyWe have not found any documented faults of its own in open sources; the German A6 C8 guide says this V6 has not given problems so far, although with few years of use and no high-mileage data.[1]
Faults that affect the Q8
None of the documented faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 affects the versions and years that the Q8 used.
Q8 Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6
Faults of the Audi Q8 outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Suspension
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionCorrosion of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt nutsAudi recalled the Q8 built between 7 November 2019 and 16 April 2021 because the nuts of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt can break through stress corrosion. The Safety Gate alert indicates a risk of accident.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionUneven rear tyre wear due to changes in rear axle toe and camberAudi recalled the Q8 from November 2019 to April 2021 because the toe or camber of the rear axle can change and wear the rear tyres faster and unevenly. A tyre worn down to the carcass can suddenly lose pressure.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionFront shock absorber fork with a casting defect that may breakIn 2019 Audi recalled the first Q8s, built in November and December 2018, because a front suspension component might not be strong enough and could break over time. The DVSA pins it down to a casting defect in the shock absorber fork.
What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi Q8
Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,282 inspections of 750 cars registered between 2018 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.
- Fewer defects than average
Suspension and axles· counts in the score
Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.1%.
- Fewer defects than average
Brakes· counts in the score
Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2%.
- Fewer defects than average
Steering· counts in the score
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.5%.
- Fewer defects than average
Headlights and lights· counts in the score
Defects in 3.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 8.5%.
- Average
Rust and bodywork· counts in the score
Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.
- Fewer defects than average
Exhaust and emissions
Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.5%.
- Fewer defects than average
Fluid leaks
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.
- Fewer defects than average
Glass, wipers and mirrors
Defects in 1.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.3%.
- Average
Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance
Defects in 10.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 13.2%.
The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl
Checklist for buying a used Audi Q8
Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.
If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (since 2018)
Failing water pump and cooling system leaks
High severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner wear
High severityInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faults
High severityWear parts for the Audi Q8
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
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Buying a Audi Q8?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q8 reliable?
We have documented 2 engines for the Audi Q8; the 3.0 TDI V6 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Audi Q8 has mostly accumulated recalls (rear axle, steering, front shock absorber, automatic gearbox, side airbag and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. According to Carbuyer, it is a recent model with little reliability history, and Audi came 30th out of 32 brands in Driver Power 2023.
Which Audi Q8 engine is the most reliable?
Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict. We have not found any documented faults of its own in open sources; the German A6 C8 guide says this V6 has not given problems so far, although with few years of use and no high-mileage data.[1]
What problems does the Audi Q8 have apart from the engine?
Outside the engine, the Audi Q8 has mostly accumulated recalls (rear axle, steering, front shock absorber, automatic gearbox, side airbag and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. According to Carbuyer, it is a recent model with little reliability history, and Audi came 30th out of 32 brands in Driver Power 2023. The most important documented faults are: corrosion of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt nuts (suspension, critical severity), bolt joining the steering shaft to the rack tightened to insufficient torque (steering, critical severity), overheating of the high-voltage battery cell modules when charging (plug-in hybrids) (electrical system, critical severity) and uneven rear tyre wear due to changes in rear axle toe and camber (suspension, high severity).[2][3][4][5]
What faults does the Audi Q8 have?
The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity).
What is the best year to buy a Audi Q8?
According to our rating by year, the best are 2026 and 2025 (7.5/10); the worst rated is 2019 (5.6/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Does the Audi Q8 have recalls?
Yes: we have documented 7 campaigns for the Audi Q8, such as campaign 93QQ: high-voltage battery cell modules (2025). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Audi A6 C8: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi Q8 (2019-2021): recall por el brazo del eje trasero (tuercas del perno excéntrico)car-recalls.eu (datos Safety Gate) · Other source · published 11 July 2021 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi Q8 (2018-2019): recall de la dirección (tornillo del eje de dirección)car-recalls.eu (datos Safety Gate) · Other source · published 11 April 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi Q8 (2019-2024): recall por riesgo de incendio de la batería de alta tensióncar-recalls.eu (datos Safety Gate) · Other source · published 7 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi Q8 reliability (Carbuyer)Carbuyer · Motoring press · published 23 July 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (EA837 y EA839)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German