2023 Audi Q8 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 1st of 5 Q8 years we score.

Owner complaints: 9
Per 10,000 cars: 5.4; 16,749 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.54×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 3; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2022 Q8 2024 Q8 →

Should You Buy the 2023 Audi Q8?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Audi Q8 is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 5 Q8 years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly stopped working (2 of 9 complaints). Owners also complain about the cooling system. 3 of the 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2022 scores 74.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-07 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 79
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Brakes: stopped working2 complaints
Cooling system failure2 complaints

How the 2023 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.49×	−7
Everyday problems	0.67×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.44×	−5
Recalls	0.80×	−5
Score		79

What Owners Report

We read all 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 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 9.

Brakes: stopped working
2 complaints (22%)
A feature that stopped working and unusual noises. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (22%)
A failure that needed a new part.

Reported Once (7)

Show the 7 problems reported once

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
Fuel filler door: parts breaking or coming apart
Screen and audio: stopped working
Noise (cause not stated)
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working

How the 2023 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 This year	Good	79	0.54×	5.4	2	Brakes: stopped working
2022	Good	74	0.74×	10.2	4	Alternator or charging failure
2021	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

See every Q8 year

2023 Audi Q8 Recalls

Two recalls cover the 2023 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 25V900000 Recall 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.
Driver's Seat Air Bag Improperly Mounted/FMVSS 214
An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 23V868000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 20, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2023 Audi Q8 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2023 Audi Q8, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2023 Q8 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

RS Q8 SUV AWD and SQ8 SUV AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2023 Q8, from its two recalls, two 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
Driver's Seat Air Bag Improperly Mounted/FMVSS 214 NHTSA 23V868000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-23-07: crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, 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.

Brakes
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

All Q8 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.