2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Problems: What Owners Report & How to Handle Them

The 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron is the facelifted successor to the original e-tron SUV, more range, a nicer interior, and classic Audi refinement. But if you search for 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron problems, you’ll find threads full of charging headaches, range disappointment, and software weirdness. This guide pulls together the most common issues owners report, what’s background noise versus genuine red flag, and how to shop smart if you’re considering a used Q8 e-tron.

Overview: Should You Worry About 2023 Q8 e-tron Problems?

Most Common 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Problems

Let’s unpack each of these groups of problems so you can separate deal‑breakers from annoyances, and know what to look for in a used 2023 Q8 e-tron.

Battery, Range and Degradation Concerns

On paper, the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron improves on the original e-tron’s weak range with a larger usable battery and efficiency tweaks. In practice, many American owners still complain that real‑world range lags expectations, especially at 70–80 mph or in cold weather. Some report seeing only 150–200 miles at 80% charge after the first year, even on the higher‑capacity 55 or SQ8 variants.

• Noticeable range loss within the first 12–24 months of ownership
• High highway consumption, especially above ~70 mph or in winter
• Range estimates that swing dramatically with temperature and driving style
• Range gap between EPA rating and what owners see on U.S. interstates

Independent shops that specialize in EVs report that Q8 e-tron battery packs are generally robust, but individual modules can drift over time, causing the car to protect itself with reduced usable capacity. That shows up to you as “sudden” reduced range. The fix is usually a software calibration or, in more serious cases, module replacement, both of which should be covered under the original battery warranty on a 2023 model.

DC Fast Charging and Electrify America Headaches

Scroll through Q8 e-tron owner forums and you’ll see a recurring theme: the car AC charges fine at home, but DC fast charging can be flaky. Owners describe plugging into multiple DC fast chargers (including but not limited to Electrify America), watching the charger “think” for minutes, and then timing out with no session started, even though Level 2 works perfectly.

• Handshake failures where the charger times out before the session starts
• Inconsistent peak DC rates, especially on busy or hot days
• Plug & Charge issues with legacy free‑charging subscriptions on used vehicles
• In some cases, DC fast charging disabled by a “stuck” fault code until a dealer clears it

The Q8 e-tron’s DC hardware is capable of competitive speeds for its class, but the combination of a heavy SUV, modest voltage, and inconsistent public infrastructure means long‑distance road‑tripping still takes planning. If you rely on fast charging often, it’s worth test‑driving the exact car on your local DC network before you buy.

Software, Infotainment and App Glitches

Like most modern luxury EVs, the 2023 Q8 e-tron leans heavily on software, and that’s where a lot of owner frustration lives. Issues range from minor annoyances to “I’ve been back to the dealer three times and it’s still weird.”

• myAudi app bugs that prevent starting or stopping EA sessions, or that randomly log you out
• Connectivity problems (vehicle stuck reporting old data, or weak cellular signal)
• Infotainment screen freezing or rebooting mid‑drive
• Glitches with CarPlay/Android Auto, especially on older smartphones or after OS updates
• Instrument cluster or camera view delays, particularly when shifting into reverse

The reality is that most Q8 e-tron software quirks are annoying rather than dangerous, and many are fixed by over‑the‑air or dealer‑installed updates. The bigger problem is inconsistency across dealers: some stores have strong EV techs who chase down bugs, others treat every infotainment issue like an isolated one‑off.

Driver Assistance Issues: Lane Keep and Phantom Braking

Several Q8 e-tron owners complain that Audi’s lane‑keeping and adaptive cruise tuning can be over‑aggressive. In day‑to‑day driving, that shows up as the car “ping‑ponging” within the lane, trying to pull you away from poorly marked edges, or even braking sharply when there’s no obvious obstacle, what drivers often describe as phantom braking.

• Lane assist tugging aggressively on the wheel, especially on curvy or poorly marked roads
• Automatic steering trying to pull into or away from exit lanes
• Unexpected hard braking when the system misreads shadows, parked cars, or merge zones
• Lane assist defaulting back on at each start, requiring manual deactivation every drive

If a specific car feels particularly bad, yanking at the wheel, repeatedly slamming the brakes for no reason, that’s worth a dealer visit. Misaligned cameras, radar sensors, or incorrect calibration after collision repair can all make the system misbehave. For a used purchase, it’s also a hint to ask about any prior accident damage.

Brakes, Suspension and Ride Quality

The Q8 e-tron is a heavy, air‑suspended luxury SUV riding on big wheels. When everything’s fresh, it’s one of the more comfortable EVs in its class. But owners and safety complaints do flag some recurring issues around brakes and suspension, especially as miles accumulate.

• Brake vibration or pulsation under moderate braking, even after rotor and pad replacement
• Premature brake wear on higher‑mileage or aggressively driven vehicles
• Air suspension faults (warning lights, uneven ride height, compressor running loudly)
• Knocks or clunks over bumps from worn bushings or dampers

Independent data suggests that air‑suspension repairs and brake work are some of the most expensive non‑battery jobs on a Q8 e-tron. That’s not unique to Audi, big premium SUVs from BMW and Mercedes have similar patterns, but it matters if you’re buying out of warranty or planning long‑term ownership.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for the Q8 e-tron

Because the Q8 e-tron is closely related to earlier e-tron models, it sits inside a wider ecosystem of VW Group recalls and service campaigns. The exact list for a 2023 Q8 e-tron will depend on its build date and region, but there are a few themes to be aware of:

What These Problems Mean If You’re Buying Used

If you’re shopping the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron on the used market, you’re probably seeing some eye‑catching depreciation. That’s the upside of early‑generation luxury EVs: they fall hard from MSRP. The downside is exactly what we’ve walked through, complex hardware, a lot of software, and a battery‑electric architecture that depends heavily on how the first owner drove and charged it.

Pre‑Purchase Checklist for a Used 2023 Q8 e-tron

FAQ: 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Problems

Bottom Line: Is the 2023 Q8 e-tron Worth It Used?

If you’re chasing maximum range per dollar, the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron probably isn’t your first pick. But if you care more about a refined, comfortable electric SUV with a proper luxury interior, and you’re willing to be choosy about the example you buy, it can be a compelling used value.

The key is to treat the well‑publicized 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron problems as a checklist, not a deal‑breaker: verify battery health, test fast charging where you actually drive, make sure software and recalls are current, and pay attention to brakes and suspension on the test drive.

If you’d rather not manage all that yourself, browsing Q8 e-trons on Recharged lets you start with vehicles that already have verified battery health, transparent history, and EV‑specialist screening. That way you spend less time worrying about what might go wrong, and more time deciding whether this particular flavor of German electric luxury actually fits your life.