Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 Audi Q8 Reliability Report
The 2021 Audi Q8 has a good reliability standing but trails most 2021 SUVs, mainly because of alternator failures that cut power while driving.
Recalls
14
Complaints
28
Complaint Rate
22.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1127
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,450
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
Weaker than most Q8 years, with alternator failures that cut power while driving and 14 recalls; the 2020 and 2022 models both rate better.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 1st generation Q8 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: First generation (4M; 2019–present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q8?
Buy this one with caution. Its reliability standing is good, but it falls well below average among 2021 SUVs and is among the weaker of the eight scored Q8 model years. Owners filed 28 complaints, or 22.3 per 10,000 sold. The 2020 and 2022 models both rate better.
The main trouble is electrical. Owners describe the alternator failing without warning. A yellow warning appears, red ones follow, and the car loses power. Turn signals, stability control and steering assist can drop out at highway speed, and some cars stop in traffic and will not restart. Most are towed, and some owners waited weeks or months for a back-ordered alternator. Fuel system reports mostly describe dealers lacking a part, though one car stalled from a failed fuel pump. Federal recall records list 14 recalls, including electrical, fuel system, engine and seat belts.
Ask the seller for proof that every recall is complete, plus any alternator and fuel pump work. Test the rear camera in reverse.
Compared to the 2022 Audi Q8, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2020 Audi Q8 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 28 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Alternator fails without warning while driving (12 complaints)
Compare 2021 Audi Q8 With

2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 53/100

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 65/100

2021 BMW X6
Reliability: 60/100

2021 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 58/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 14 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
14
recalls on record
The 2021 Audi Q8 has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Audi Q8 Recall Details
14 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi Q8. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2021 Audi Q8? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Audi Q8, and 14 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
2021 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
20 MPG
Running cost: $4,600/yr
Fuel + repair
18 city / 23 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,450 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Audi Q8.
Have an Audi dealer run the VIN for open recalls and confirm the needed parts are actually available.
Ask for service records showing whether the alternator and the 12-volt or 48-volt battery have been replaced.
Scan for stored electrical system and starting system fault codes before you buy.
On the test drive, watch for yellow electrical warnings, slow starts or a battery light.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the rear camera shows a steady image with no blinking white screen.
Check the coolant level and look for leaks around the water pump, especially on cars near 50k miles.
Inspect the front brake wear sensors and harness for missing sensors or spliced-in wire.
Listen for knocking at startup, and feel for stutter or sliding during lane changes and curves.
2021 Audi Q8 Common Problems by Component
28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsThe alternator fails without warning while driving. A yellow "electrical system malfunction" warning appears, red warnings follow, and the car loses power. Turn signals, hazard lights, stability control and steering assist can all drop out at highway speed, and some cars stop in traffic and cannot restart. Most end up towed. Several owners wait weeks or months because the replacement alternator is on back order, and one dealer reports 17 other cars waiting for the same fix. Other reports include a car shifting into park while moving, a knocking sound at startup and a high beam assistant fault.
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsFew of these reports describe an actual failure. Most describe dealers who cannot complete a fuel system campaign repair because the part is unavailable, with owners told the wait could last several months. In one more serious case, the car stalls at various speeds and the instrument panel stops working. The dealer finds a failed fuel pump, but the owner does not have it repaired because of the cost.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsThe car suddenly loses power, sometimes at highway speed. One car shuts off at 70 mph after an electrical problem warning, at about 3,500 miles. Another loses acceleration while merging onto a busy highway after its water pump fails at around 50k miles, just past warranty. One owner also reports the car stuttering, shaking or feeling like it is sliding on ice during lane changes and gentle curves, even after new tires and an alignment. A power loss in moving traffic carries a real crash risk.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsWhen the car is in reverse, the rear camera fails. The screen goes dark or blinks white, leaving no camera view and no parking warnings. The fault comes and goes, and dealers report they cannot reproduce it even when shown video, so cars go home unrepaired. In one case it fails again within hours of a dealer visit, at about 17,000 miles. Without the camera, backing up near people and other cars becomes riskier.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsThe car loses steering assist when the electrical system shuts down while driving. An electrical system malfunction warning comes up and the car loses power almost immediately, leaving little time to react. In one case the alternator fails at 35K miles and takes the steering, suspension and other electrical systems with it, which makes the car very hard to control. Repairs can include a new alternator and a new 12-volt or 48-volt battery. Affected cars have to be towed.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintThe engine (internal mechanical failure) malfunctioned. The vehicle developed a persistent ticking/knocking noise from the engine bay, and the authorized Audi dealer diagnosed the issue as requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A catastrophic engine failure presents a risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or engine seizure, which could occur while driving at speed or in traffic. This creates a potential risk of loss of vehicle control, inability to accelerate, or being stranded in unsafe conditions, endangering both the driver and other motorists. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership, which diagnosed the vehicle and stated that a complete engine replacement is required. The estimated repair cost provided by the dealer is approximately $26,000 (so far in parts only). The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Audi dealership. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Audi corporate has been contacted for review. The primary symptom was a persistent ticking noise from the engine bay, which began around late December 2025 / early January 2026. There were no immediate warning lights or dashboard messages at the onset of the noise. The noise progressively worsened, prompting dealer inspection and diagnosis.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintSubject: Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering – 2021 Audi Q8 Summary: On 8/5/2025, while driving my 2021 Audi Q8 under normal conditions, the sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a loud popping sound, followed by glass breaking and falling onto the closed sunroof shade. There were no visible signs of impact from external objects, and weather conditions were normal at the time of the incident. The vehicle was not involved in a collision and was being operated safely. This incident created a serious safety hazard, as the loud popping sound once the sunroof ruptured could have cause me to get into an accident. I am also lucky that the sun roof shade was closed or the pieces could have struck me inside my vehicle. I will be contacting insurance and Audi dealership regarding the damage. However, after researching online, I found similar complaints from other Audi owners, suggesting this may be a recurring issue with panoramic sunroofs across multiple models. I am reporting this to the NHTSA because I believe this could indicate a potential defect in the sunroof glass or its installation. I request an investigation into this matter to ensure the safety of other drivers who may be at risk.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain, the automatic braking system sensors engaged. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The driver believed that the vehicle had struck an object. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to repair the sensor, and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The approximate failure mileage was 8,600.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintTook Audi Q8 in Jan 29 2024 do to 2 indicates one was a low oil, and a week before a Addaptive Lighting Warning came on my vehicle 2x , the following day to Warning light did NOT appear but the Blind Spot/Lane Assist lights did not operate. They were unable to resolve the issue Fault B200FF - TBS 2067531/2 Cleared fault but still do not work.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 AUDI Q8. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, HE LEANED FORWARD AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS TIGHTENED WHICH CAUSED HIM SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND CHEST PAIN. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS LATER RECEIVED FOR HIS INJURIES. AUDI RANCHO MIRAGE (71265 CA-111, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS TIGHTENED AS A PART OF THE SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD VERIFY WHETHER OR NOT THE SAFETY FEATURE COULD BE DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Best & Worst Audi Q8 Years
Best Audi Q8 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreAudi Q8 Years to Avoid
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 2021 Audi Q8 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q8?
Does the 2021 Audi Q8 have alternator problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q8 have?
Is the 2021 Audi Q8 better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Audi Q8 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Audi Q8
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Audi Q8 does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). 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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