NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints for the 2019 Audi Q8. Most complaints involve power train (44) and electrical system (44). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
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."
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am reporting a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2019 Audi Q8. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine system malfunctions that have ultimately resulted in complete engine shutdown while driving. The first incident occurred when the vehicle would not start and displayed an “Engine System Malfunction” warning. I was able to get the vehicle operational and bring it to the dealership, where the fuel pump was replaced. Just three days after the repair, the same problem returned, requiring the vehicle to be towed back to the dealership. The dealership cleared the diagnostic code and kept the vehicle for approximately three weeks before returning it to me, stating that the issue had been resolved. A few days after receiving the vehicle back, the malfunction occurred again. This time, the engine completely shut off while I was driving at highway speeds. This created an extremely dangerous situation, as the sudden loss of engine power at highway speeds presents a significant risk of a crash, particularly in traffic or while attempting to maneuver out of danger. The vehicle is currently completely inoperable, and the underlying issue remains…”
“Engine overheated and dash warning light did not illuminate until coolant was completely overheated. i followed the light, pulled off the road and let the engine idle until the light when away as directed and proceeded to drive approx 10 miles total distance to work from first warning light to full engine failure with electrical system failure due to being melted and three of my cylinders were misfiring. Audi states i need a full engine replacement at my expense and is not taking ownership of failed warning system. Engine for car quoted 25-30k for replacement. total car value with approx. 80k miles is 17k. Absolutely ridiculous.”
“NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2019 Audi Q8 Prestige, 3.0L Turbocharged V6 I am reporting a serious engine defect involving piston damage and cylinder wall scoring in my 2019 Audi Q8 Prestige equipped with the 3.0L turbocharged EA839 engine. Audi of America has previously acknowledged a piston-skirt concern affecting certain vehicles equipped with this engine and issued U82 warranty-extension letters to affected consumers, extending piston-skirt coverage to 8 years or 80,000 miles. Despite this known concern, my vehicle has developed significant internal engine damage requiring major repairs. I initially reported an abnormal engine knocking noise to an authorized Audi dealership during the original factory warranty period, at approximately 47,000 miles. The dealership advised me that this noise was normal and did not correct the underlying condition. On August 25, 2026, at approximately 78,910 miles, I again contacted Audi regarding the engine concern. The earliest available dealership appointment was September 7, 2026. By the time the vehicle was inspected, its mileage had exceeded the 80,000-mile warranty-extension threshold. Audi Loves Park subsequently…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,050 | 474 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (44), electrical system (44), engine (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Audi Q8 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Audi Q8 5 out of 5 stars overall.