2021 Audi Q8 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 3rd of 5 Q8 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 35
- 4 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 20.3
- 15,292 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.3×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 17
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 8
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q8?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi Q8 is 65 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.3 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 5 Q8 years we score.
The most reported problem is the alternator or charging system (9 of 35 complaints). Owners also complain about dashboard warning lights and the cooling system. 17 of the 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 8 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the fuel system, engine, sunroof, driver assistance systems and instrument display. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 64 and the 2022 scores 74.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-22-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- 5 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.3 times the problems of the average car its age
- Alternator or charging failure9 complaints
- Several warning lights at once4 complaints
- Cooling system failure3 complaints
How the 2021 Q8 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.5× | −13 |
| Everyday problems | 0.97× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.3× | −10 |
| Recalls | 1.7× | −7 |
| Score | 65 |
What Owners Report
We read all 35 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q8, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 35.
Alternator or charging failure
9 complaints (26%)
A failure. 8 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Several warning lights at once
4 complaints (11%)
Warning lights. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Cooling system failure
3 complaints (9%)
A failure and a leak. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Headlights: warning lights
2 complaints (6%)
Warning lights.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (6%)
Unusual noises.
Vacuum system components: damage
2 complaints (6%)
Damage.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (6%)
Hesitation.
Rearview camera: works on and off
2 complaints (6%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (6%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (17)
Show the 17 problems reported once
- Automatic emergency braking: the system acting on its own
- Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
- Engine failure
- Fuel pump failure
- Screen and audio: stopped working
- Instrument cluster: stopped working
- Driver-assist camera and radar: warning lights
- Seat belts: the system acting on its own
- Side blind zone alert: stopped working
- Start-stop system: hesitation
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Steering failure
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Shifter or park: the system acting on its own
- Vibration (cause not stated)
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
How the 2021 Audi Q8 Compares With Other Years
The other Q8 years of the 1st generation, 2019 to 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2025 | Not scored | – | – | 2.8 | 2 | – |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 3.9 | 3 | Door latches: not opening or unlocking |
| 2023 | Good | 79 | 0.54× | 5.4 | 2 | Brakes: stopped working |
| 2022 | Good | 74 | 0.74× | 10.2 | 4 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2021 This year | Caution | 65 | 1.3× | 20.3 | 8 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2020 | Caution | 64 | 1.8× | 35.2 | 3 | Cooling system failure |
| 2019 | Caution | 61 | 2.8× | 62.5 | 5 | Alternator or charging failure |
2021 Audi Q8 Recalls
Eight recalls cover the 2021 Audi Q8. The most recent was issued in December 2025: “Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V900000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Instrument Panel Display Failure
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V201000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 31, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V742000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump May Fail
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V516000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 20, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V034000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 26, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Show 2 more recalls
Engine Cylinder Bore Surface May Develop Cracks
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
NHTSA 21V339000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 12, 2021. By the first quarter of 2022, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V295000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2021 Audi Q8 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi Q8, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the fuel system, engine, sunroof, driver assistance systems and instrument display. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-05
Faulty electric fuel pump
- The problem:
- The electric fuel pump can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty electric fuel pump, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2018 to 2021 S4, S5 and SQ5, 2019 to 2021 Q8 and A8, and 2020 and 2021 Q7. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-07
Crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- The problem:
- The crankcase breather on the 4.0 EA825 engine can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the crankcase breather and replaces it for free if it failed from a defect.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2023 Audis with the 4.0 EA825 engine. The bulletin names no model. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-09
Water leaks through the closed sunroof
- The problem:
- Water can leak into the cabin from the sunroof even when it is fully closed.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer fixes the leak and the water damage it caused. Audi pays 35 to 90 percent of the cost, depending on model year, age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2021 Q3, Q8 and e-tron in the class action settlement. Not covered: a sunroof not fully closed, broken glass, unchecked clogged drains, non-dealer repairs, and totaled or salvage title cars.
- Coverage:
- 7 years or 80,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first, on a prorated basis.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-25-07
Virtual Cockpit failure
- The problem:
- The Virtual Cockpit can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs the Virtual Cockpit for free if it failed from a defect. Damage it caused is also covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2021 A6 sedan and allroad, S6, RS6 Avant, A7, S7, RS7, A8, S8, Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 Q8 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
RS Q8 SUV AWD and SQ8 SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2021 Q8, from its eight recalls, five Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 25V900000
- Instrument Panel Display Failure NHTSA 25V201000
- Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 22V742000
- Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA 22V516000
- Rear Axle May Be Misaligned NHTSA 22V034000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-22-05: faulty electric fuel pump
- AWA-23-07: crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- AWA-23-09: water leaks through the closed sunroof
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
- AWA-25-07: Virtual Cockpit failure
On the Test Drive
- Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Alternator or charging system
- Dashboard warning lights
- Cooling system
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next