2019 Audi Q8 Electrical System
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
While driving down the freeway to the dealership a electrical system malfunction message came across the display. I continued on to the dealership and suddenly started getting system failures. One by one it popped up and said every single system failure including brakes and steering system malfunctions. Then it said transmission malfunction and I immediately lost all forward propulsion. The engine just revved when I hit the gas. I had to fight my way over to the shoulder where the vehicle came to a stop and would not even let me set the parking brake or engage park. I sat I the vehicle on the freeway between an on ramp and the moving lanes until the tow truck showed up. The failure turned out to be the alternator which I'm told is a very common issue for most audi vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and they replaced the alternator at no charge due to an extended warranty already granted on the failing alternators. The repair was made and vehicle was returned but the same alternator was put into the vehicle that was in it originally as it has not been updated. This created a major safety risk as power was lost while traveling at freeway speeds.
Electrical malfunction displayed on dashboard with every system in the car shutting down within seconds. I was stranded on the freeway shoulder. Maybe an issue with the alternator.
My alternator failed with "electrical malfunction" alerts until the car decided to shut down on the highway with my newborn and wife. The bigger issue is I'm being told there is a national shortage for this part with no ETA on receiving the part and that it could be MONTHS until they receive the alternator replacement.My car is in dealership since Dec 6 2022. Today is 01.10.2023
Electrical malfunction warning light. Vehicle stop and was steering wheel locked and then unlocked. Then stated ok to steer but steering was very hard. No power. Multiple systems fail warnings lights. Alternator is what they have stated. No part available. They currently (from what the service dealer states they have approximately 15 cars waiting). One dealer The issue is the in-operability of the car. Just stops which is highly worrisome.
While driving the vehicle to work, several warnings came on saying there was a system issue and to pull to a safe spot. The car was pulled off the main traveling lane into a turning lane where it died. The electrical system did not work at all. The hazard lights could not be put on. The prior day the auto stop light came on saying there was a malfunction with that. The dealer was contacted. They said it was fine to drive. The car is currently at the dealership.
I have a 2019 Audi Q8 with 39k miles. I just received an indication stating that an electrical issue has occurred and to contact service maintenance. While on my way home from work with the electrical issue active the air conditioning stopped working which appeared to be unusual. I was able to still drive the vehicle home. I then searched on Google about the issue and read numerous complaints through various forums regarding the issue. Most of these issue were similar to my experience. Also these complaints were around the same year and mileage of my vehicle. Please help to have Audi resolve this issue.
Purchased in 12/22. Electrical System Malfunction was alerted on 11/7/2023. On 11/8/2023 car shut off, and would not start again. Battery is completely dead, and mechanic says it’s an Alternator issue. Part is on international back order for at least 2 months. Audi knows of this issue and is still selling these cars. Will not provide loaner, and has multiple vehicles sitting on lot waiting for part.
Alternator/generator failure at 55910 miles
While driving 35 mph car electrical system started to shutdown. Red warning message came on immediately followed by car turning off while in drive and car was moving.
Alternator/Ignition Generator died while driving vehicle causing vehicle to die in the middle of the road.
The car completely shut down in the middle of traffic with an electrical system malfunction and safety system malfunction.
alternator failed, multiple electrical/ computer systems shut down, eventually left me stranded.
48v Starter Generator went bad. Vehicle shut down on the high way. I have been without my car for nearly a month as the part is on back order, and there is no ETA for the part.
An "Electrical System Malfunction" warning, check engine light and the battery light came on. Was informed to notify service. Few hours later multiple system failure started to appear. Dashboard went dark and I was unable to tell the speed of the vehicle. The window rolled down on it is own. After coming to a stop the vehicle was unable to start again. Dealer informed me the "affected parts" are being ordered. No further updates were available.
While driving, all the warnings came on the dash. "Electrical Malfunction", "Child seat belt malfunction", "Start/ stop malfunction", "Steering Wheel malfunction" "Power Brake malfunction" and when I came to a stop, the car completely stopped. I could not put it into neutral to push it out of the road so my car blocked a lane on a highway making it very dangerous. 2 service reps from 2 different Audi dealerships have confirmed that is this a known defect with the v48 generator/ alternator
The spare tire is stored deflated and must be inflated for use. The factory tire pump overloads the circuit and blows a fuse. For all practical purposes, my vehicle was shipped without a spare tire which is a significant safety and security issue. This failure has occurred twice during roadside emergencies (loss of tire pressure). My dealer technician confirmed and recreated the circuit overload but offered no 'fix'. There are reports in online forums of similar experiences and the 'fix' appears to be replacement of the factory tire pump. My dealer has not been cooperative / timely with this proposed 'fix'.
AFTER MOST RECENT SOFTWARE UPDATE, THE BACKUP CAMERA DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGE OR DISPLAYS A BLACK SCREEN. THE BACKUP CAMERA PREVIOUSLY WORKED FINE. OTHER TIMES, IT WILL DISPLAY THE FRONT FACING CAMERA INSTEAD OF THE REAR CAMERA DESPITE BEING IN REVERSE.
Trend Over Time
Complaints by year
Other Issues
Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2019 Audi Q8 has 17 Electrical System complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.