2021 Audi Q8
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Audi Q8 has 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 37. The most common issue is electrical problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: oct 15, 2022 lights began flashing. electrical malfunction came up. said to pull over safely as soon as possible. dealership said it is not safe to drive. is still at the audi dealership since they could finally get it in nov 16, 2022. it has 17,248 miles on it. am told it needs a new alternator/ge. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year.
45
Total Complaints
7
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
13 complaints- • Oct 15, 2022 lights began flashing. Electrical Malfunction came up. Said to pull over safely as soon as possible. Dealership said it is not safe to drive. Is still at the Audi dealership since they could finally get it in Nov 16, 2022. It has 17,248 miles on it. Am told it needs a new Alternator/Ge
- • When driving, my car had several red and yellow warning lights that came one - one for electrical system, the other for Vehicle starting malfunction and another was a battery sign. The vehicle also had delays starting. I was fearful the car would stop while driving (hopefully not on a highway or b
- • Vehicle reported an electrical failure and to stop vehicle. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service reported Alternator failure and a 6-8 week repair time as part is on back order.
“Oct 15, 2022 lights began flashing. Electrical Malfunction came up. Said to pull over safely as soon as possible. Dealership said it is not safe to drive. Is still at the Audi dealership since they could finally get it in Nov 16, 2022. It has 17,248 miles on it. Am told it needs a new Alternator/Ge”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (7)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Audi Q8
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Audi Q8
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi Q8 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2021 Q8, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 45 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: Oct 15, 2022 lights began flashing. Electrical Malfunction came up. Said to pull over safely as soon as possible. Dealership said it is not safe to drive. Is still at the Audi dealership since they could finally get it in Nov 16, 2022. It has 17,248 miles on it. Am told it needs a new Alternator/Ge
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: When my car is placed in reverse, the parking assist system is activated. The cameras are supposed to turn on to give me visibility and warnings if cars or people are approaching. Instead, the screen will go out and start blinking with a white screen. This results in an inability to safely maneuv
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shutoff as the electrical problem, see local dealer warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled off to the side of the highway and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remai
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi Q8 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 7
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 37
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Audi Q8