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Audi · Full-Size SUV · 2019–2024

Audi SQ8 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 SQ8 4M is available with 2 engine variants — from 245 to 640 hp.

SQ8 · Diesel· 435 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
SQ8 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 507 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

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

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

Ad Hinterachsmutter Q8 4M recall 42L1Achsmutter rear axle Audi Q8
 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
Ad Restdruckhalteventil Q8 4Mair spring rear axle Q8 4M8616039Luftsupercharger Audi Q8
 High
!Air suspension: sporadic pressure loss

During fast motorway driving above 120 km/h the SQ8 4M can display air suspension warning lights and temporarily lose ride height until the compressor catches up. Pressure sensor and leak warnings occur sporadically.

Symptoms: Air suspension warning light at high speed, car briefly loses level control, compressor kicks in
from 80,000 km
Ad air spring Audi SQ8 4M frontDrucksensor Luftfahrwerk Q8 4Msupercharger Luftfahrwerk SQ8 4M
 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
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
4 complaints · 2019–2024
Powertrain
2
Electrical
2
Suspension
1
Lane Departure
1
Collision Avoidance
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (2 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (2 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 67 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi SQ8 4M (2019–2024) — 56 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CVMD (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, Gearbox, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi SQ8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi SQ8 4M have? +
The Audi SQ8 4M has 56 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi SQ8 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 SQ8 4M engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi SQ8 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 SQ8 4M worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi SQ8 4M — 1 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi SQ8 4M? +
The Audi SQ8 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