Last updated: 2026-03-15
2023 Audi Q8 Reliability Report
The 2023 Audi Q8 scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 2 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
2
Complaint Rate
1.5
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$1127
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
The 2023 Audi Q8 scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the First generation (4M; 2019–present).
With 2 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (1). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2023 BMW X6
Reliability: 65/100
2023 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 61/100
2023 Lexus GX
Reliability: 81/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2023 Audi Q8 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
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.
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.
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.
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.
2023 Audi Q8 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q8 Repair 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.
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
Buying a 2023 Q8? Check Its History First
Every 2023 Audi Q8 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
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2023 Audi Q8 Common Problems by Component
2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintThere 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 complaintThis 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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi Q8 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi Q8 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (67/100) and 2022 (65/100).
2025
2023
(Current Model)
2022
Audi Q8 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi Q8 year is 2019 with a score of 53/100, primarily due to power train (38) issues.
Audi Q8 Reliability Score Trend
Audi Q8 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 66/100 compared to 59/100 for older years.
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 |
Audi Q8 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Audi Q8 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Audi Q8?
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q8 have?
Is the 2023 Audi Q8 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Audi Q8 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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