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Audi · Full-Size SUV · 2018–2024

Audi Q8 4M

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

630–640 PS

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin

RS Q8 Performance — 630 hp in SUV form

Legendary!
Problem Engine

245–286 PS

3.0L TDI V6 Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Audi Q8 4M is available with 8 engine variants — from 245 to 640 hp.

SQ8 · Diesel· 435 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 340 PS
2018 2024
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
RS Q8 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 600 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
RS Q8 Performance · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 640 PS
2023 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
SQ8 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 507 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
55 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 381 PS
2020 2022
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
60 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 462 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 286 PS
2018 2024
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The Audi SQ8 (Diesel, 435 PS) has the CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 340 PS) has the CREA (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi RS Q8 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 600 PS) has the DCSA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi RS Q8 Performance (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 640 PS) has the DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ8 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 507 PS) has the DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi 55 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 381 PS) has the DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Audi 60 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 462 PS) has the DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 286 PS) has the CVMD (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: Rear Axle Nut Incorrectly Torqued

On Q8 models from 2019–2021 (action 42L1) an incorrectly torqued rear axle nut can alter wheel alignment and affect driving stability. Free repair at dealer.

Low
!Air Suspension — Compressor and Air Bag Integrity

The Q8 4M air suspension shows typical weaknesses on residual pressure hold valves (approx. 50 € part) and air bags. Warning light illuminates, vehicle drops on one axle, compressor runs continuously to the point of overheating.

Symptoms: Yellow air suspension warning light, vehicle leaning on one side, ride height no longer controllable.
from 100,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
172 complaints · 2018–2024
Electrical
66
Powertrain
48
Engine
43
Other
15
Steering
15 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (66 complaints)
Powertrain (48 complaints)
Engine (43 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 62 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q8 4M (2018–2024) — 56 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CVMD (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, Gearbox, Electronics.

Q8 (CZAC, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Fuel dilution of engine oil, Electric compressor (EAV) failure, Intake manifold coking. Power: 435 PS.

Q8 (CREA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant Migration, Rocker Arm Roller Failure — Early Production, Coolant Leaks from Seals. Power: 340 PS.

Q8 (DCSA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Turbo Oil Strainer Clogged — Bearing Starvation, Timing Chain Elongated — Camshaft Synchronisation, Turbo Oil Drain Lines Coked — Shaft Seal Failure. Power: 600 PS.

Q8 (DCU, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Cylinder Bore Cracks (Recall), Turbocharger Lubrication Problems, 48V Belt Starter Generator Failure. Power: 507 PS.

Q8 (DJTB, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearings — Thermal Stress in V-Position, Turbocharger Oil Supply — Strainer and Drain Lines, 48V Electrical System and Mild Hybrid Components Fault-Prone. Power: 640 PS.

Q8 (DCBE, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure EA839 (Critical), Recall 93QQ — High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk, Hybrid Gearbox Failure V6 PHEV. Power: 340 PS.

Q8 (CVMD, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Camshaft material defect (recall risk), Timing chain tensioner and chain wear, Intake tract and EGR heavily coked. Power: 286 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi Q8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi Q8 4M have? +
The Audi Q8 4M has 56 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi Q8 4M? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CREA (3.0L TFSI V6), CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo), DCSA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CVMD (3.0L TDI V6) — stay away!
Which Audi Q8 4M engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi Q8 4M — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The Performance version squeezes 630 hp from the twin-turbo V8. Impressive on paper, barely distinguishable from the 600 hp standard in practice. Feeling the difference requires a track — on the road, 600 hp in an SUV is more than enough.
Is the Audi Q8 4M worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi Q8 4M — 1 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi Q8 4M? +
The Audi Q8 4M is available with engine variants from 245 to 640 hp. Petrol: CREA (3.0L TFSI V6), DCSA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6). Diesel: CVMD (3.0L TDI V6), CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee