Audi Q8 Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

I am writing to formally document an urgent and ongoing safety issue with my new Audi Q8 (VIN [XXX] rrently has fewer than 1,100miles. On my recent visit to my local Audi authorized dealer's service department (Tuesday, 4/21/2026), I brought the vehicle in for a “central lock malfunction” warning and was advised that the issue had been resolved. However, the next morning the same error reappeared. This warning has been present intermittently, beginning the day I purchased the vehicle at 0 miles. More critically, this malfunction is affecting the driver-side door’s ability to open from the inside. On multiple occasions, I have been unable to exit the vehicle without repeated attempts. This presents a serious safety concern, as it temporarily prevents me from exiting the vehicle in a normal and timely manner. Given the nature of this issue, I want to clearly document that: - This is a safety-related defect impacting my ability to exit the vehicle - The issue was not resolved after the initial repair attempt - The problem has reoccurred immediately INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While operating my 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron at 30 mph, I attempted to slow the vehicle to make a turn. Upon pressing the brake pedal, the regenerative braking system failed to engage properly, and the expected deceleration did not occur. The brake pedal felt very soft and the vehicle continued to move forward with nearly no braking force, despite significant pressure being applied to the pedal. The failure appears to be a total malfunction of the 'brake blending' system—the critical handover between the electric regenerative system and the hydraulic friction brakes. Even as a secondary safety measure, the hydraulic brakes failed to provide adequate stopping power. This resulted in a significantly extended deceleration distance that nearly caused a collision. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard prior to this event, making the failure sudden and unpredictable. Please note that this happened shortly after driving 10 miles on a very hilly road and extensively using paddle shifters while driving downhill to force battery charging. The breaks continued to have issues for the next 2h of driving and didn't work as expected for about 60% of the time. The next day, I tried driving short distance and was not able reproduce the problem. This happened on March 21, 2026 between hours of 2 and 4pm.

CHARGING SYSTEM DEFECT: The manufacturer-supplied portable charger (rated 9.6kW at 240V/40A) delivers only 7.4kW — a 23% shortfall. The authorized dealer confirmed this measurement in March 2026 but refused to repair, stating "no issues." The charging rate also degrades over time without manual reset. The vehicle also intermittently fails to charge at DC fast charging stations — it begins charging, then stops within minutes displaying "Malfunction of charging" error. Other EVs charge normally at the same stations. SAFETY RISK: Charging failures create a stranding hazard. The vehicle can fail to charge at public stations without warning, leaving the driver unable to complete trips. REPAIR HISTORY: 5+ visits to two authorized dealerships over 10 months (May 2025–March 2026), 16+ days out of service. No fix — returned each time as "no fault found" despite video evidence of failures shown to dealer at every visit. Manufacturer corporate support also failed to resolve. Dealer found DTCs for charger communication faults. A demand letter was sent to manufacturer — no response received. Vehicle and charger available for inspection.

Hello, I would like to bring the below serious safety concern to your attention which will likely require a recall to be performed: I brought my vehicle to an Audi dealership (Audi of North Austin, TX, USA) and physically demonstrated the issue, which is that the INTERIOR door handle (on all doors) will NOT unlatch unless the passenger pushes on the door while the door handle is pulled. This vehicle has an electronic door latching system and it will remain latched after the door handle is pulled open if the passenger does not also push on the door while pulling the handle. If the door is pushed a few seconds after the handle has been opened (and remains open) the door WILL NOT OPEN. Additionally, there is a safety direct cable connection to the latch that often does not work on the first try either and can experience the same issue. This poses a major safety concern because in the case of an emergency the passenger or driver may not be able to exit the vehicle promptly and could be stuck inside. Also, if the vehicle ends up on its side and the door must be opened upwards, it will NOT open even if the door handle is being pulled unless the passenger also pushes on the door at the same time as pulling the handle. For safety reasons, the door handle latch must remain open when the handle is in the open position however this is not the case, the handle being pulled only momentarily unlatches the door. I brought this issue to our AUDI technician and they confirmed that ALL similar models with the same door handle style had the exact same operation with this same issue. They confirmed that it is not unique to my vehicle, and they denied any safety concerns that I had. They have sent me home with the issue unprepared. I have the messages between the dealership and myself confirming that the issue is widespread. Heres a shared video on Google Drive explaining in detail: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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!

The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, she crashed into the rear of a pick-up truck towing a boat on a trailer. The contact did not notice that the vehicle in front was coming from a stop, which caused the accident. During the crash, the engine of the boat detached, causing damage. The contact was concerned that the Audi Pre Sense Front Braking feature failed to engage, which could have prevented a crash. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. No medical attention was required. The insurance company was notified of the incident, and the inspection was pending. A dealer was contacted and was informed to call the manufacturer. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,700.

Owner: Jyima Ofori-Atta Vehicle: 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron (55) VIN: WA15AAGEXRB031696 Current Mileage: Approximately 6,335 miles Dealer: Audi Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, CA Lease Start Date: February 1, 2025 Car charging issue I recently received my vehicle back from service following an extended stay related to recurring charging system and software issues. While the vehicle has been returned to me, my primary concern is the likelihood that the same charging failure will occur again, as it has multiple times in the past. Due to the history of unresolved charging failures and the absence of a clearly communicated permanent fix, I am extremely concerned about the vehicle’s reliability moving forward. Since taking delivery of the vehicle, I have experienced multiple charging system failures that rendered the vehicle unable to charge and therefore inoperable. Charging failures occurred unpredictably and without warning. The issues were not limited to a single charger and occurred using both home and public charging stations. When the charging system fails, the vehicle cannot be driven once battery charge is depleted. These failures have resulted in repeated loss of use and extended service visits. Because this is an electric vehicle, reliable charging is essential to basic operation. Given the history of failures: I am fearful of relying on the vehicle for daily transportation. There is ongoing concern about being stranded if the charging system fails again. The unpredictability of the issue has created significant stress and hesitation in using the vehicle as intended. This concern is not hypothetical; it is based on repeated past incidents.

Whenever the physical brakes are engaged during daily "brake cleaning" during the first mile of driving, or whenever the regenerative brakes do not engage, or when the physical brakes are engaged under heaving braking where the regenerative braking system's braking capacity is exceeded, the vehicle shudders as the brakes grip and slip. When inspected by Audi of Mendham, the service technician noted the rotors were "warped" and had "debris build-up". Despite the vehicle performing daily "brake cleaning", the build-up has remained. Despite normal use of the vehicle over the past 22,000 miles over two years, the rotor have warped causing inconsistent brake pressure to be applied. Under heavy braking where the regenerative system is exceeded, this could cause the vehicle to swerve due to uneven brake pressure being applied across the four wheels.

1. Failed/Malfunctioned Component: March 2025 - Air Conditioning (A/C) control valve, May 2025 - A/C line and seals. 2. Safety Risk: I heard an explosion underneath the vehicle shortly after parking the vehicle in a shopping center. Upon quick inspection, I did not initially observe any obvious broken parts, components, nor any warning lamps, messages or symptoms. The following day while charging the vehicle in my garage, I noticed a fluid leak emitting from under the vehicle. The fluid was identified as R1234YF refrigerant, which is flammable. The risk of that fluid igniting is even greater while the vehicle is charging. 3. The problem was reproduced by the dealer under both incidents (A/C control valve failure & A/C lines and seals explosion) and confirmed as a manufacturer defect. 4. The vehicle was inspected, serviced, and repaired at an authorized dealership on two occasions. 5. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? Symptom in first instance was failure to blow cold air. Symptoms in second incident - fluid leak was detected, shortly after turning on the vehicle A/C failed to blow old air.

Front passenger door doesn’t always open when using the inside door handle. When you pull the door handle the door partially unlatches not allowing the door to open. You must then release the door handle and then repull the handle for the door totally unlatch and open. I was told by the dealership that these electric door latch’s are poorly designed. Cars been in the dealership 6 times for this in the past 2 months and it’s still not fixed.

I have experienced a persistent brake vibration issue since I first acquired my 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron in December 2023. The vehicle has required two full brake rotor and pad replacements within 12,000 miles, which is highly abnormal and suggests a fundamental defect in the braking system. Audi North Miami acknowledged the issue and replaced the rotors and pads under warranty in October 2024. However, just four months later (February 2025), the exact same issue reoccurred, and now Audi is refusing to cover the repairs, claiming it is normal wear and tear. Brakes are a critical safety component, and the fact that a luxury SUV requires two full brake replacements in such a short period raises serious concerns about engineering defects or improper installation. This defect increases stopping distances and affects braking performance, putting the driver, passengers, and others at risk. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether the Audi Q8 e-tron braking system is defective and if other consumers have reported similar failures. This is a serious safety issue that should not be ignored."