Audi Q8
Supercharged V6 with 245 kW in the Q7 4M. Powerful petrol engine with linear power delivery and good throttle response.
Prestige SUV in search of a worthier engine
The Q8 4M has the sportier-looking fastback body in the Audi SUV lineup, but the CREA V6 leaves that promise unfulfilled. A handsome car with an adequate engine, but no passion under the bonnet.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The EA839 water pump system fault affects the CREA in the Q7/Q8 4M as well. Vacuum-controlled system fails internally, coolant migrates into vacuum system. 4-bolt pump = original state, 6-bolt = already replaced.
Symptoms: Coolant warning light, P0299 'boost pressure too low', coolant loss without external leakage, 'drivetrain fault'.
Early EA839 units (GP0 code) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers that can fall out. In the Q7/Q8 with its higher vehicle weight and trailer use this is particularly critical.
Symptoms: Combustion misfire, clattering from cylinder head, rough running, engine warning light.
Beyond water pump failure, the EA839 in heavy SUVs more often shows coolant leaks at hoses and seals due to higher thermal stress.
Symptoms: Coolant smell, dropping coolant level, overheating warning.
Direct-injection CREA without valve washing: crankcase oil mist carbonises on intake valves. In the Q7/Q8 with often high mileage this becomes relevant earlier.
Symptoms: Hesitation, power loss, cold-start weakness, rough idle.
CREA shows elevated oil consumption under high load and in the heavy Q7/Q8. Long oil warm-up in a heavy vehicle promotes deposits on piston rings.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, occasional blue exhaust.
The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox occasionally judders on pull-away and at low speeds in the Q7/Q8 with CREA. In many cases fixable with a gearbox software update.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away or gear change, delayed gear engagement, shift jolt in urban driving.
In the extensively networked Q7/Q8, the CREA occasionally shows engine management sensor failures (lambda, boost pressure sensor) leading to fault codes without mechanical damage.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, various sensor fault codes, occasional power reduction.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Faulty sensors in both front doors can affect side airbags, head airbags and belt tensioners. RAPEX notification INFO/00089/21, April 2021. Free repair at authorised dealer.
High-voltage battery cell modules can overheat when charging and cause a vehicle fire. KBA action 93QQ affects Q8 PHEV (60 TFSI e) from production period 08/2019–07/2024. Software update as fix, approx. 60 minutes workshop visit.
Oil can leak from the automatic gearbox cooling lines. Gearbox oil on the road increases accident risk. NHTSA campaign 20V272000, 531 vehicles affected.
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.
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.
The Q8 MMI system crashes or loses favourite settings. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) sporadically reports 'unavailable'. The parking assistance system and head-up display can also be affected by software faults.
Reports & Tests
172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2024). Most reported: Electrical (66), Powertrain (48), Engine (43).