Audi Q8 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Audi’s coupe SUV model, the Q8, has only been available briefly.

But, in that short time, it has established itself as a formidable rival in its class, providing a luxurious ride while fusing excellent handling with the perfect amount of luggage room.

If you’re considering purchasing a used Audi Q8, we’ve thoroughly analyzed every model year’s dependability and features.

See below for our recommendations on the most significant and worst Q8 years.

Are you an Audi Car Fan? Maybe you want to check this out: reliability of Audi

VIDEO: The Audi Q8

Audi Q8 Best and Worst Years

The most significant years for the Audi Q8 are, in Motor and Wheels’ opinion, 2020 and 2022. According to Engine Patrol, the 2019 Audi Q8 is the worst model year for the car. The 2019 model is the best year for the Audi Q8, according to Carshtuff, because it is less expensive and has few differences from later models. The 2019 model’s makeover received excellent reviews from Consumer Reports. The 2023 Q8 was examined by U.S. News Best Cars, which considered it a very nice luxury SUV with a roomy and well-decorated inside, plush seating for five people, a vast cargo area, and more.

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Which Q8 years have the best reliability?

2020

A new model’s second or third year is typically less problematic than its first, and the Q8 is no exception to this rule.

Compared to more than fifty complaints in the year before, the 2020 model has only received eight complaints—a surprisingly low total across four years.

The 2020 model ticks several more boxes in addition to having excellent reliability.

Rear passengers will have plenty of legroom and headspace even with the lower roof, despite the Q7 model’s propensity to be popular.

The liftback still has plenty of capacity for additional cargo, and the rear seats can be folded flat for the best possible storage.

The Q8 offers the quiet, comfortable ride for which Audi is renowned, even though it is functional.

Critics also point out that despite not necessarily handling like a race car, the Q8 has an incredibly sporty appearance.

Yet, the design philosophy of Audi is evident, and the vehicle will undoubtedly stick out in most parking lots.

The 2020 model received an 8 out of 10, the Q8’s highest rating on the site in recent years, from Car and Driver, which praised the Q8 for its ability to combine sportiness and utility seamlessly.

The Q8’s lack of rear visibility and relatively high pricing are its primary flaws for this year. But, one of these can at least be reduced by purchasing secondhand models.

Leasing of the 2020 model is also well-liked. Here is a decent summary of the Audi vehicles available for leasing.

2022

The reliability of Audi fluctuates over time.

Of all, the 2022 model has only been on the road for a little under two years, but there have been no NHTSA complaints about it during that time.

The same issues with the rearview backup camera that started with the 2021 version and continued through the 2022 version also resulted in two recalls.

Yet aside from that, the model year has a flawless track record and holds the highest NHTSA safety rating.

Also, owners rate it a strong 4.2 out of 5 on Edmunds, praising the extra backseat space and comfortable ride for long road trips. Others laud it for having a powerful engine and stylish exterior design.

The 2022 Q8 is ranked third among 23 vehicles in the “Luxury Midsize SUV” category by U.S. News and World Report.

They credit the vehicle’s calm handling, which enables it to ride more like a car than an SUV, and its premium interior materials and design for the ranking.

Apart from an improved infotainment system and a few new features made standard, the 2022 model is similar to the 2020 version.

If you’re choosing between the two models, be careful to consider that the later model will often have fewer kilometers and a longer warranty remaining.

What Years of the Audi Q8 Should You Avoid?

With 52 complaints now listed on the NHTSA website, 2019 set a new record for all Q8 variants.

Powertrain and propulsion system problems make up most of the complaints, 33.

When accelerating, the car will occasionally lag for two to five seconds before responding slowly enough to change gears.

This problem, according to drivers, can be frightening, especially when trying to accelerate swiftly after coming to a complete stop.

After a brief period of inaction, while the accelerator is depressed, the vehicle will quickly accelerate.

Other times, the car will abruptly lose power for a short while before restarting; this issue appears to happen randomly. The car will abruptly lose power while the driver is driving, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable.

Even though Audi has launched a campaign to address the shutdowns, many owners are frustrated that there has yet to be a formal recall, given how pervasive the issue is.

The power to various electrical components was frequently lost, and several drivers reported experiencing “Electrical System Malfunction” warning signals.

It’s fair that the 2019 year may need to work out a few kinks due to the Q8 model’s launch, but if at all possible, avoid this one.

2021

The 2021 Q8 model has already experienced five official recalls, some of which have been quite substantial, despite being only a few years old.

Due to a possible malfunction of the rearview backup camera, more than 170,000 vehicles were recalled. It was determined that this issue posed a serious safety risk because of the Q8’s massive size and broad blind areas.

Volvo has also issued recalls for probable fuel pump failure, misaligned rear axles, and issues with seatbelt locking.

All recalls impacted more than 30,000 automobiles.

Several drivers have also reported sunroof leaks, a problem that has previously occurred in other Audi SUV models.

It’s not only an annoying aesthetic issue since the water damage from the leaks can cause electrical issues or even prevent the airbags from inflating.

The last issue raised in the complaints was a complete shut-off of the car while it was being driven, another issue that frequently affects Audis.

The phenomenon is frequently referred to as “limp mode,” a safety function activated when an engine and propulsion system issue is detected.

However, a false alarm may occasionally cause the feature to activate, creating a possible safety risk in and of itself.

The fact that the number of NHTSA complaints and recalls for the car are currently equal implies that Audi is identifying and fixing flaws before they cause significant harm.

2021 still merits a spot on our list of Q8s to avoid due to the many recalls so early in the model’s lifecycle.

What Common Issues Affect The Audi Q8 Models?

Learn more about Audi in this article Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

The following are some of the most typical problems with Audi Q8 vehicles over the past five years:

• lags after pressing the accelerator
• abrupt power failures when driving
• fuel pump malfunction
• Backup rear camera malfunction

Some of these issues, notably the failure of the fuel pump and the backup camera, have been the subject of recalls.

Although the first two also present a severe safety risk, Audi’s response to them has been less than adequate.

How many miles should an Audi Q8 get?

There is a limited amount of historical data available for the Q8 because it is a relatively new model, but we have formed a general judgment based on reliable industry statistics and comparable cars in the Audi lineup.

A decent lifespan of between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers is anticipated for Q8. However, when these kinds of mileage are reached, maintenance costs may start to swell, and there is a much greater possibility that expensive components, like the engine or transmission, would break down.

When this occurs, investing in an upgrade may be more cost-effective because the cost of repairs may be greater than the vehicle’s value.

Although few high-mileage Q8s have yet to exceed 100,000 miles, the Q7 is an excellent comparison for the Q8’s durability.

First-generation Q7s from 2005 are still prevalent, and even after several years of service, their interiors still look great.

Audis are relatively durable automobiles in terms of their mechanical and construction characteristics. But repairing them might be incredibly expensive, especially if you go through an Audi shop.

According to Consumer Reports, the reliability of Audis is in the middle of the pack.

Like any car, a few crucial ownership-level criteria determine how long your Q8 lasts.

Although they are usually made to be driven in a sporty manner, any vehicle might suffer from overworking the engine or from excessively aggressive use of the gas and brake pedals.

The odometer can be extended by thousands of kilometers with routine maintenance.

How Safe is an Audi Q8

The IIHS and NHTSA have given the Audi Q8 exceptional safety ratings, with the former designating it as a Top Safety Pick. In addition, the Q8 received five-star safety certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to RealSafeCars’ calculations, the 2021 Audi Q8 has a lifetime risk of 0.0195% for a fatal accident and a lifetime risk of 2.2294% for an injury accident, which indicates that the average driver is unlikely to be involved in an accident that causes significant injury or death. These findings support the Audi Q8’s reputation as a safe vehicle.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Conclusions

The Q8 is a fantastic addition to the Audi SUV lineup and may make a great used car.

The Q8 will undoubtedly be a dream if you’re seeking a sporty, practical, and attractively built vehicle and are ready to give up the third-row seats offered on the comparable Q7.

Since the long-term dependability of the mode has yet to be shown, choosing one of our suggested model years can increase your chances of getting the most out of your Q8.

Audi Q8 FAQ’s

Is the Audi Q8 a trustworthy vehicle?

Is the Audi Q8 reliable in 2023? The projected reliability rating for the 2023 Audi Q8 is 71 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.

Does the Audi Q8 have issues?

For all of the Audi Q8’s model years, there have already been a good number of recalls. On October 20, 2021, the Audi Q8 for 2022 was recalled as well. The main problem that many owners have so far brought up concerns the powertrain, where there is a noticeable delay in the power delivery.

How long do tires on an Audi Q8 last?

Depending on the brand, these 2021 Audi Q8 tire warranties typically last between 2 and 4 years or between 30,000 and 50,000 miles and cover typical damage issues. Companies typically don’t pay for significant losses caused by collisions with potholes or other roadside objects.

Better still, Q7 or Q8?

Synopsis of the 2022 Audi Q7 vs. 2022 Audi Q8

The larger, three-row 2022 Q7 is the best option if you need more seating and cargo room. Enter the 2022 Q8 if a two-row, more compact SUV is more your style.

What BMW comes close to the Audi Q8?

BMW X6 Engine Details & Fuel Efficiency. Both the 2021 Audi Q8 and 2021 BMW X6 come with a potent turbocharged engine that produces similar performance ratings as the basic engine. While the BMW six-cylinder engine has marginally better fuel economy, the Q8 V6 offers more torque.