Models · Audi
Audi Q8 buying guide
The Q8 arrived in 2018 as the Q7's sister car, a large SUV with V6 diesel and petrol engines and quattro. Most of its known issues are recall items on earlier cars, each with something you can look at during the viewing, plus a water pump check on the petrol.
The versions
- 50 TDI: 3.0 V6 diesel, 286PS
- 55 TFSI: 3.0 V6 turbo petrol (EA839), 340PS
- Automatic gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive
- Adaptive air suspension on S line models
- Plug-in hybrid 55 and 60 TFSI e versions were also sold but aren't covered here (the SQ8 and RS Q8 have their own page)
What to check on a Q8
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Steering shaft bolts
What to look for: On the drive, notice whether the steering feels precise, with no knock, click or free play when you turn the wheel either way. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recall has been done, giving them the chassis number.
Why it matters: Bolts joining the steering shaft to the steering rack could work loose on a small number of Q7s and Q8s built between 1 June 2015 and 28 February 2019. Affected cars needed a technician's inspection, and the work is recorded against the car.
Front shock absorber forks
What to look for: If the car was built in late 2018, ask the dealer whether it was included in the front suspension recall. On the drive, listen for knocks from the front over bumps.
Why it matters: A casting defect affected the front shock absorber forks on a small number of Q8s built between 27 November and 18 December 2018. A dealer can confirm whether a car is affected and whether the parts were replaced.
Gearbox oil line
What to look for: Look under the middle of the car, and at the ground where it has been parked, for oil from the gearbox area.
Why it matters: On Q8s built between 1 September and 31 December 2019, a faulty joint in a gearbox oil line could leak, and the line had to be replaced under a recall. A dry underside and a recorded recall are what you want.
Also in the full guide
- Rear tyre wear and other recalls
- The water pump (55 TFSI)
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Q8
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.