Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 67/100 (GOOD)

2023 Audi Q8 Reliability Report

The 2023 Audi Q8 has good reliability and few owner complaints, but ask for proof that its three air bag and back over prevention recalls were done.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

1.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1127

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,450

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity72/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Last year of the first generation, with fewer complaints and recalls than both 2022 and 2024, and a good standing close to the class average.

Top Issues to Watch

SERVICE BRAKES (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
1st generation Q8 (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2019: First generation (4M; 2019–present) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2023: This Model Year

2023 is the last model year of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).

2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2023 Audi Q8?

Reliability is good, and this is one of the stronger Q8 years. Against other 2023 SUVs it sits close to average. Within the Q8's scored model years it ranks among the stronger of eight. Owners filed just 2 complaints, about 1.5 per 10,000 sold. The 2022 rates about the same, while the 2024 rates worse.

Two complaints are too few to show a pattern, and the data gives no symptoms or mileages for them. The recalls tell more. There are three, covering air bags and back over prevention. Both areas involve safety equipment, so an open recall matters here. The car earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash testing, and independent repair-cost data puts model-wide yearly repair costs at $1127.

Before buying, ask the seller for paperwork showing all three recalls were completed. The 2022 is a reasonable alternative, but it has 7 recalls to check. The 2024 has more complaints and more recalls.

Compared to the 2024 Audi Q8, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2022 Audi Q8 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
−SERVICE BRAKES (1)

Compare 2023 Audi Q8 With

2023 BMW X5

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2023 BMW X6

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2023 Porsche Cayenne

Reliability: 61/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
SERVICE BRAKES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2023 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

1.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 11.3

LowAvgHigh

Very Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Audi Q8 Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Audi Q8. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V8680002023-12-20

AIR BAGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Consequence

An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.

25V9000002025-12-19

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Audi Q8? Check its history first

Service brakes problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Audi Q8, and 3 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

2023 Audi Q8 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row/Roof)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi Q8Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based 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 2023 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 2023 Audi Q8.

Inspect for pulsating noise from rear passenger side, especially with low fuel
Test brake pedal responsiveness and ensure brake lights activate
Verify vehicle starts and shifts out of park with brake pedal pressed
Check for any unusual noises when driving at low speeds

2023 Audi Q8 Common Problems by Component

2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2023-07-14

There is a pulsating/fluttering noise coming from the rear passenger side near side of the vehicle. Got the vehicle in July of 2023 and reported the issue in August. Dealership confirmed and performed TSB 2067759/2 (Installed 10 rubber insulator sleeves). This did not fix the problem. I noticed it is loudest when the fuel tank is low. It can be heard at idle but tends to get louder while moving slow at slow speeds (forward or reverse). The tank was full when I brought it in for the August service. Went back in October when I realized it is significantly louder when the fuel is low. Dealership replaced the activated charcoal filter pipe and the fuel tank. This did not eliminate the problem.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2023-08-16

This is a loaner Audi Q8 from Molly Audi of Kansas City. My 2023 Audi Q7 is in the shop for this exact same issue. The brake pedal randomly does not respond. This prevents the vehicle from being able to start, shift out of gear when parked, and the rear brake lights do not respond. My main concern is the brake lights not responding. I do not want to be injured in a collision when slowing down on the road. There were no warning lamps or massages from the vehicle. The dash just kept telling me to "Please press the brake pedal to start the vehicle". (my foot was on the brake) I have a video of this occurrence if needed.

Best & Worst Audi Q8 Years

Best Audi Q8 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

(Current Model)

3Recalls

2Complaints

Good

Audi Q8 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Audi Q8 reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	70/100	+3	Good	0	0
2025	67/100	+3	Good	2	1
2024	64/100	-3	Good	8	16
2023(selected)	67/100	+2	Good	3	2
2022	65/100	+5	Good	7	5
2021	60/100	-3	Good	14	28
2020	63/100	+10	Good	4	25
2019	53/100	—	Mixed	5	103

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Audi Q8 reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good. Against other 2023 SUVs it is close to average, and among the Q8's scored model years it is among the stronger of eight. Owners filed only 2 complaints, about 1.5 per 10,000 sold, and it earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Audi Q8?

No single problem dominates. Owners filed only 2 complaints, and the data does not describe their symptoms. The clearest issues are the three federal recalls, which cover air bags and back over prevention. Confirm those repairs were done before you buy.

Does the 2023 Audi Q8 have recalls?

Yes. Federal recall records list three recalls for this model year. They cover air bags and back over prevention. Ask the seller for proof the work was completed before you commit to the car.

How does the 2023 Audi Q8 compare with the 2022 and 2024?

All three years have good reliability. The 2022 rates about the same, with 5 complaints and 7 recalls. The 2024 rates worse, with 16 complaints and 8 recalls. The 2023 has the fewest of both, with 2 complaints and 3 recalls.

How much does the 2023 Audi Q8 cost to repair?

Independent repair-cost data estimates about $1127 a year. That figure covers the Q8 as a whole, not just the 2023 model year, so treat it as a general guide. Your own cost will depend on the car's service history and condition.

Don’t buy a 2023 Audi Q8 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2023 Audi Q8

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Audi Q8 does best on recall impact (80/100) 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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