Problems · by component

2019 Audi Q8 power train problems

44 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Audi Q8 cite power train, 40% of all 111 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
44
40% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11775508
“Due to a leak in the rear axle that is connected to the differential, it caused the entire differential to fail. The bearing within the differential completely failed due to contaminated oil. The Q8s are known to have this occur but only in year models 2020-2022. My Q8 is a 2019 and Audi is aware of these issues given technical service bulletins available but doesnt want to take responsibility as this may be a continuing manufacturing issue arising. My vehicle only has 65k miles on it and Audi admits this is rare. Due to a misdiagnosis in June of 2025 (oil leak), Audi of Seaside Monterey caused the complete failure of the differential in December of 2025 by not doing a deeper diagnosis earlier to resolve the catastrophic failure. This is a safety concern and very expensive. A new differential costs $12k which has been expected to pay with no accountability. I am currently in an active case with Audi Seaside and the BAR to come to a resolution.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2026Power trainODI 11711877
“While driving warning light came on electrical malfunction on highway cat lost all power following a series of light’s indicting multiple malfunction then transmission disengaged I was able to coast to a stop , was unable to get out of vehicle due to car not unlocking”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 23, 2023Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11556584
“Driving vehicle at a low/medium rate of speed, and car completely shut off without warning. Check engine light appeared after restarting the vehicle. This is the second time this has happened to me since November 2022. I filed a report then as well. This car should not be allowed on the road and Audi should be forced to buy it back. The vehicle has less than 35,000 miles. Dealer has not confirmed what the issue is this time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2023Power train, Electrical systemODI 11541673
“Electrical malfunction illuminated on the dash than brake malfunction illuminated than the vehicle lost all power no power to windows locks but I was able to roll off an exit and waited for a tow truck to tow to nearest dealer”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 5, 2023Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11515694
“November 18, 2022 a warning lamp of electric system problem was displayed. There is no local Audi dealer and I decided to take the vehicle to my local automotive repair shop that does non warranty repair on Audis. I drove approximately 6-8 miles after the light came on and was one half mile from the service technicians when within 300 yards the vehicle became sequentially inoperable. First power steering, then transmission, brakes , ended with engine failure. I was in rush hour traffic and unable to steer off the road so I was blocking traffic near an intersection. My flashers and power windows were all that functioned. The doors were locked. When the tow truck arrived he let me out of the car. I was not injured and the vehicle was not hit either. The vehicle was transported to Audi Beaverton Oregon and now 3 1/2 months later is still there because there are no available starter/generator units available in this country. That unit failed and was the cause for my Audi’s complete shutdown. This was a potentially very dangerous situation and needs to be reported for a recall campaign. I have read that there are thousands of similar failures of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2023Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11510151

Showing 6 of 44 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2019 Q8 problem areas