Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Audi Q8 Reliability Report
The 2019 Audi Q8 rates well below average for 2019 SUVs because its 48-volt starter generator can fail and shut the SUV down while driving.
Recalls
5
Complaints
103
Complaint Rate
72.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1127
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Weakest of the eight scored Q8 years, with starter generator shutdowns and five recalls in the first year of its generation.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (38)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
- STEERING (11)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the first model year of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Refreshed in 2024.
- 1st generation Q8 (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.
2019: First generation (4M; 2019–present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Audi Q8?
Be cautious with this one. Owner complaints place it well below average among 2019 SUVs, and it is the weakest of the eight Q8 model years we score. It is the first year of the generation, and the 2020 model rates better, with 25 complaints against 103 here. Crash-test results are strong at 5 of 5 stars.
The main trouble is the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The starter generator fails, often between 39,000 and 55,910 miles, and the SUV shuts down while moving, sometimes on the highway. An electrical system malfunction warning usually comes first. Steering gets heavy, and some owners report locked doors. Repairs can take weeks or months because the part is back ordered. Other owners describe a 2 to 5 second lag from a stop, tied to auto start/stop, which a dealer software update fixed for some but not all. Federal recall records list five recalls, covering lane departure, back over prevention, fuel system, steering and suspension.
Ask for service records showing whether the starter generator has been replaced and whether the software update was done. Confirm every recall is completed. Look at a 2020 first.
Compared to the 2020 Audi Q8, which scored 10 points higher.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −POWER TRAIN: Acceleration lags from a rolling stop or at low speed, often for 2 to 5... (38 complaints)
Compare 2019 Audi Q8 With
2019 BMW X5
Reliability: 52/100
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 56/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 56/100
2019 Lexus GX
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (38)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q8. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
72.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Audi Q8 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi Q8. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
LANE DEPARTURE
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.
Consequence
The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 1, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Buying a used 2019 Audi Q8? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Audi Q8, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Audi Q8 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.8%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q8Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1127
Repair Frequency
0.7
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Hybrid
19 MPG
Running cost: $4,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17 city / 22 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Audi Q8.
Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for starter generator replacement and past electrical system malfunction repairs.
Roll toward a stop below 10 mph with start/stop on, then accelerate and note any multi-second delay.
Ask an Audi dealer whether software update 37M6 has been applied to this car.
Listen for knocking or piston slap at cold start and ask for a borescope inspection of the cylinders.
Look under the rear for oil leaks at the axle and differential before buying.
Pull the driver's seat belt all the way out and let it retract, checking for twists.
Lock and unlock with the fob, then confirm each rear door opens from inside.
Search federal recall records by VIN for open recalls and confirm the repair parts are available.
2019 Audi Q8 Common Problems by Component
103 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
38 complaintsAcceleration lags from a rolling stop or at low speed, often for 2 to 5 seconds, then the SUV lurches forward. Many reports tie the delay to the auto start/stop system and say it goes away when that feature is off. A dealer software update fixed it for some owners but not for others. Sudden shutdown while driving is the second pattern. Electrical warnings appear, the transmission drops into neutral, and power cuts out, often from a failed starter generator with back-ordered parts. A rear axle leak that ruined a differential also appears at 65k miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
29 complaintsThe starter generator in the 48-volt mild hybrid system fails, and the SUV shuts down while moving, sometimes on the highway. An "electrical system malfunction" warning usually comes first. Start/stop faults, a battery light, and a string of system warnings follow, often within a mile or a few minutes. Locks, hazard lights, and air conditioning can stop working, and some occupants could not open the doors. One complaint reports an injury. Repairs often drag on for weeks or months because the part is back ordered. Separate reports describe central locking faults that keep the rear doors shut.
STEERING
11 complaintsHeavy or unresponsive steering follows an electrical failure that shuts the engine down. Drivers end up fighting to reach the shoulder or stuck in traffic. Most complaints here describe the same 48-volt generator failure. A malfunction warning appears first, then power steering, transmission, and brake warnings, and then the car goes dead, sometimes with the doors locked. Dealers report long waitlists for the part. Smaller patterns include a wheel that feels loose, creaking over bumps and in turns, and lane centering that misses lane markings or steers off the road.
ENGINE (9 complaints)
ENGINE
9 complaintsPiston slap makes the engine noisy, and dealer inspections find scratched cylinder walls. Owners say Audi extended engine coverage from 50k to 80k miles for this defect, but cars just past that limit are turned down. Other reports describe misfires followed by knocking and early engine failure, and engine mounts wearing out after 50k miles. In one case a water pump failure let coolant into the engine and the engine had to be replaced. Several complaints repeat the generator failure that shuts the car down in traffic.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsIn one report, coolant from a failed water pump gets into the vacuum lines. That triggers turbo underboost faults and loss of power. The repair means removing the front bumper and recalibrating the safety sensors. Other complaints cover a failed air conditioning evaporator, a generator fault that sets off electrical malfunction warnings, and driver assistance sensors that quit in the rain, including blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts. The center display also goes black at times, and dealers respond with software updates.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedIn one report, the seat belt hardware and the seat itself came loose during a rear-end crash, and one person was injured. The other complaint describes the driver's belt twisting and pulling the twisted section up into the B-pillar. That owner reports 3 dealer repairs, with a fourth failure within weeks of the last one, and cites a service bulletin on the problem. Two filings are too few to show a broad pattern. In both cases, though, the driver's restraint did not work as designed.
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
2 complaintsStalling at a traffic light, with the failure coming back after several restarts, appears in one report at about 36,700 miles. Mostly, though, these complaints are about a repair delay, not a breakdown. Owners say they were notified of a fuel system repair campaign, but dealers had no parts to do the work, and they consider the wait unreasonable. One of the two owners had not had any failure. Shoppers should confirm the repair status of a specific car with a dealer.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintWheel arch on the front passenger side flew off on the highway. There was no visible issues that the piece was loose as it’s been on the car securely for 45k miles.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintDash Delamination: The leather dashboard is experiencing severe delamination and pulling away from the substrate, specifically in the area surrounding the passenger-side airbag. I believe this condition poses two significant safety risks: Airbag Interference: The detached and warped material may obstruct, delay, or alter the deployment path of the passenger-side airbag during a collision. Visibility and Distraction: This is a material defect, not wear and tear, and it poses a potential safety concern due to the reflection/glare on the windshield, as well as the distraction it causes while driving. Audi has acknowledged this "process weakness" and issued a Limited Warranty Extension (AWA-23-11) for 2019-2020 Q8 models. Despite this, my request for a safety-related repair was denied due to over 80K. The issue should be considered under mileage. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this defect to determine if it constitutes a safety non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as the structural integrity of the dashboard is vital for proper airbag performance. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring the safety of this vehicle.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaint2019 Audi Q8 3.0T quatro with 34,102 miles incurred broken left rear coil spring. Right rear most likely will have to be replaced soon. A SUV of this age and mfg shouldn't be having broken coils. This defect appears to be happening quite often. From the dealer's quote... "Recommended service: Coil Spring Replacement - Rear: LEFT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING IS BROKEN (SEE VIDEO ATTACHED) RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS AT THIS TIME. Suspension coil springs support the weight of the vehicle and determine the height at which it sits on the road. The springs allow the suspension system to move and adapt to changing road irregularities; they are under extreme pressure. $2,562.60"
When Do 2019 Audi Q8 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi Q8 Years
Best Audi Q8 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreAudi Q8 Years to Avoid
2019
(Current Model)
Audi Q8 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 70/100 | Good |
Audi Q8 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Audi Q8 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Audi Q8?
Does the 2019 Audi Q8 have starter generator problems?
Has the 2019 Audi Q8 been recalled?
Is the 2020 Audi Q8 more reliable than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2019 Audi Q8 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Audi Q8
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Audi Q8 does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (34/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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