The alternator was having malfunction in the middle of driving. At first, the system warned and showed" Electric system malfunction" with yellow lights on. As soon as I saw this warning, I drove to the nearest dealership which is about 15 mins drive. Two minutes before my wife and I arrived at the dealership, the car have many red lights warning turned on one by one. The system asked me to stop safely. And the entire system shut off by itself after we arrived at dealership. Luckily, we were able to drove the car to the service department. I can not image what could have happened it the car broke down on the highway. The engine could be completely shuts down. And there is no even no way to turn on the engine and turn on emergency lights.

- Irvine, CA, USA

While driving the 2021 Audi Q8, the warning lights for the Electrical system malfunction & Automatic vehicle starting system: malfunction appeared on the dashboard. My safety and others safety were at risk as this occurred while driving. In reviewing other concerns or complaints this is a reported issue to the Audi dealership. Audi Grapevine Service was immediately notified. Service informed me to do not drive the vehicle and to have it towed in immediately. Audi Grapevine Service also informed me they have 17 other vehicles with the same issue. Vehicle is currently at dealership awaiting diagnosis. There is another reported issue, of knocking noise coming from the vehicle. This was reported to the dealership on 9/25/2023, 26 days after purchasing the vehicle. This was also reported to Audi Customer Care, on 10/12/2023, after the dealership provided no follow-up of repair of issue. Verbal communication from dealership states there is no fix at this time awaiting a fix/follow-up from Audi Manufacturer. Per Audi Grapevine Dealership they've experienced this issue with other Audi Q8.

- Mansfield, TX, USA

Complete loss of electrical power while driving due to faulty alternator at only 35K miles. This resulted in total loss of steering, suspension failure, and any other electrical systems in the car. Making the car almost impossible to control specially for a new driver. Apparently the issue is widespread with any Audi car or SUV equipped with a V6 3 liter engine. The repair requires the replacement of the alternator and the 12v (an in some cases 48v) battery. The issue happens suddenly with no prior warning and completely disables the vehicle while driving. To the best of my knowledge Audi replaces the alternator with the same faulty design, which may lead to the issue to appear again at a later time.

- Rockville, MD, USA

Vehicle reported an electrical failure and to stop vehicle. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service reported Alternator failure and a 6-8 week repair time as part is on back order.

- Taunton , MA, USA

When driving, my car had several red and yellow warning lights that came one - one for electrical system, the other for Vehicle starting malfunction and another was a battery sign. The vehicle also had delays starting. I was fearful the car would stop while driving (hopefully not on a highway or busy road) or I would be stranded somewhere because the vehicle would not start

- Bowie, MD, USA

Oct 15, 2022 lights began flashing. Electrical Malfunction came up. Said to pull over safely as soon as possible. Dealership said it is not safe to drive. Is still at the Audi dealership since they could finally get it in Nov 16, 2022. It has 17,248 miles on it. Am told it needs a new Alternator/Generator and there is no expected timeframe. It is now Jan 20, 2023 and I have been without a car.

- West Fargo, ND, USA