Used Audi Q8 2018-present reliability
Category: Luxury SUV
Premium SUVs like the rakish Audi Q8 are all the rage, and this is one of the best, with fine handling and a classy interior.
What should I look for in a used Audi Q8 4x4?
Pay particular attention to the wheels and tyres, because even the smallest rims are 21in and it’ll cost a small fortune to fit fresh tyres. It isn’t just because of the size of them; it’s also to do with the fact that every model has four-wheel-drive, so you need to keep the same type of tyre on all four wheels for safety reasons. So, if you're swapping brands or types of tyre, you’ll have to change all four at the same time.
Make sure the interior is in good order, too, and that the carpets and leather are free from marks and stains. Also, the digital screens will cost a lot to replace if they're scratched, so make sure you clean them only as per the instructions in the owner’s manual.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi Q8 4x4?
Front shock absorber fork
There has been a problem found with the casting of the front shock absorber forks from the factory. This applies to a small number of Q8s built between 27 November 2018 and 18 December 2018. Any Audi dealer will be able to tell you if your car is affected.
Connection between steering shaft and steering rack can work loose
A small number of Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 models built between 1 June 2015 and 28 February 2019 could have a problem where the bolts connecting the steering rack and steering shaft can work loose. Speak to an Audi dealer to find out if your vehicle is affected by this because it'll need to be inspected by a technician if it is.
Gearbox oil leak
Oil may escape from a faulty join in the gearbox oil line of Q8s manufactured from 1 September to 31 December 2019. Speak to an Audi dealer to find out if your car is affected, because the line will need to be replaced to solve the problem.
Is a used Audi Q8 4x4 reliable?
The Q8 didn't feature in our most recent 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey. However, its sister car, the Audi Q7, did. The two cars are broadly similar under the skin, so here are the results for the Q7, as a guide.
Our latest reliability data shows the Q7 to be a dependable used car; it received a rating of 92.8% and finished second in the luxury SUV class out of a field of nine cars.
Reliability rating 92.8%
The Audi Q7 is one of our favourite seven-seaters, and also among the most dependable. Although 21% of the cars we were told about went wrong, 43% were repaired in a day or less, and 86% of work was done for free. However, 14% of cars cost £501 to £750 to fix. Fault areas included the engine, electrics, infotainment and steering.
Audi, as a brand, though, came 26th out of 32 manufacturers in the same survey, which isn't especially good. Its score was 89.1%, which put it below all its main rivals, including BMW and Mercedes, but above Jaguar, Land Rover and Vauxhall.
Used Audi Q7 reliability: the owners' view
Overall, the Q7's feedback from our survey highlights a good report regarding reliability. A few owners reported issues with the vehicle's electrical systems, including malfunctioning infotainment screens and problematic sensors. Additionally, a few readers experienced mechanical faults, particularly with the air suspension and transmission in older models.
When it comes to dealer service, the responses were varied. Positive comments were made about the professionalism and helpfulness of dealership staff, with several readers praising the efficient handling of repairs under warranty. However, there were criticisms about the cost of out-of-warranty repairs and longer-than-expected service times for more complex issues.
If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
