2021 Audi SQ8 Problems & Complaints

Few complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 Audi SQ8 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (2 complaints). 6 recalls cover this model year.

3complaints
6recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2021 Audi SQ8 problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain
    267%
  • Suspension
    133%
  • Electrical system
    133%

Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi SQ8 complaints by model year

202120222023202420253422
Owner complaints per model year, Audi SQ8. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Compare all Audi SQ8 years →

2021 Audi SQ8 recalls (6)

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 25V-900 · Dec 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-201 · Mar 31, 2025 · 44,387 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 22V-742 · Oct 5, 2022 · 170,296 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5,…

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Tires

NHTSA recall 22V-034 · Jan 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8,…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.

Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor

NHTSA recall 21V-606 · Aug 5, 2021 · 45,496 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet,…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.

Engine

NHTSA recall 21V-339 · May 12, 2021 · 15 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi SQ7, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 AVANT, and SQ8 vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.

2021 Audi SQ8 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.0L 8-cyl turbo8-speed automaticAWD15 / 21 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi SQ8 a good car?

That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi SQ8?

The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi SQ8 have?

There are 6 recalls for the 2021 Audi SQ8, the most recent from December 19, 2025 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.