Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2024 Audi Q8: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Audi Q8. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | AWD | 300 mi range |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD | 19 mpg |
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Brake shudder, warped rotors
12,000–22,000 miles
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Audi Q8, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Charging failures lead these reports. Cars repeatedly stop charging and return to the dealer for charging system and software repairs, and some are left unable to move because of 12V battery and relay faults. One report is fire-related, describing a melted charging plug and cable and a fire in a 240 outlet box. Other complaints describe a loud bang under the car followed by a flammable refrigerant leak, sudden hard braking for misread road signs on the highway, windows that lower themselves when the driver tries to close them, and a long wait for repair parts.
Brakes shudder and vibrate when the friction brakes engage. The problem is worst in hard stops, when regenerative braking cannot carry the load. Dealers find warped rotors with debris build-up. Some cars get new rotors and pads, sometimes more than once, and the shudder still comes back. Warping shows up as early as 12,000 miles, with other reports at 22,000 miles and beyond. In an emergency stop the car can shake violently enough to risk loss of control. Several owners say warranty coverage was denied as normal wear.
Excerpts from complaints Q8 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I have two Q8 Etron, and this q8 is also having the same issue as my other q8. When the windows are open half way, and the driver is trying to close the window because the car is moving faster speed, the window automatically retracts and opens the window even lower. this is really distracting to the driver especially when there is a safety hazard on the road or the weather. please address this issue to improve safety of the vehicle
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
From the first day I purchase the vehicle, even when the sales person was walking me through the vehicle, the vehicle window was constantly retracting itself lower when i tried to close it. When the window is half way open, and the driver is trying to close the window, the window automatically retracts and lowers the window. causing distraction for the driver and safety hazards from the road and environmental conditions.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
Brake rotors warped around 33k miles under standard operating conditions. Manufacturer refused to replace under warranty. On an EV, this is completely unacceptable mileage to replace brakes (should last 70-100k or more). Research shows others with this model encountering similar issues. There must be a defect with these rotors.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
Two years of break issues where the breaks shudder badly on and off - whole breaking system was replaced and problem still occurs to the point my wife won't drive the car because of the shuddering - audi deny the problem even though they replaced all the braking system - its a well known design fault - Audi has to take responsibility!
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 7 Q8 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron Quattro and Q8 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. The brake line connection may have been over-tightened and fail, resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced braking ability.
Risk: Reduced braking ability can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pressure line as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47DE.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
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.".
Risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Cars shoppers compare with the Audi Q8, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
