Audi SQ8
V8 BiTurbo diesel with 320 kW and electric compressor. Technically highly complex engine with 900 Nm torque. Exclusive and powerful, but correspondingly expensive to service.
Urus platform, half the price — but half the presence too
Same MLB evo platform as the Lamborghini Urus, but with Audi restraint. Fast enough to win SUV drag races nobody runs, too big for real cornering joy. For anyone wanting the Urus platform without the price: here. For anyone wanting driving fun: wrong segment.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Excessive DPF regeneration events allow diesel fuel to enter the engine oil, causing the oil level to rise. A known problem with no permanent fix — regular oil level checks are essential.
Symptoms: Rising oil level, oil level above maximum, slight increase in consumption, occasional diesel smell from engine bay
The electrically driven auxiliary compressor of the 48V system fails at higher mileages. The symptom is poor throttle response in the low rpm range. Repair is complex.
Symptoms: Poor throttle response on take-off, power loss below 2,000 rpm, engine management warning light
Intake manifold and tumble flap coke up from blowby gases and EGR. Cleaning sometimes requires a full engine removal; repair costs are therefore very high. Primarily affects short-trip vehicles.
Symptoms: Power loss, poorer throttle response, increased fuel consumption, rough running
The diesel particulate filter does not fully regenerate with frequent short-trip driving. Blockage requires a forced regeneration at a workshop or expensive DPF replacement.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, stationary engine regeneration
The EGR valve gums up from soot deposits and causes hesitation and elevated emissions. Short-trip use accelerates wear due to insufficient operating temperatures.
Symptoms: Rough idle and rpm fluctuations, engine warning light, increased fuel consumption
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).