DecodedCars2019 Audi Q8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Audi Q8 is a standard SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,729 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway), 2% better than the 2019 standard SUV average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 196.5 in | 78.7 in | 67.3 in | 118.1 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 4,729 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q8 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 474 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Q8 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.8% |
Similar 2019 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Q8 (this car) | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2019 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2019 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
| 2019 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (5)
Lane Departure › Software · Mar 4, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V125000 · 1,620 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
- Risk
- The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V516000 · 49,443 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Steering · Mar 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V149000 · 229 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber · Feb 20, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V114000 · 34 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
- Risk
- Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Not every 2019 Audi Q8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Audi Q8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 44 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 43 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Audi Q8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q8 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →