Recall 20V272 affects 531 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles for a transmission oil pipe weld defect that can leak fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 531 2020 Q8 SUVs under recall 20V272 because an insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe can leak automatic transmission fluid. Leaking fluid can make the road surface slippery and raise the risk of a crash, and Audi dealers will repair the pipe free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The gearbox oil pipe on the 2020 Audi Q8 carries automatic transmission fluid through the transmission, which keeps the gears cooled and lubricated while you drive. The pipe has a metal flange welded to each end so it can bolt into the transmission housing without leaking. That welded joint has to hold a tight seal for the life of the vehicle.
On affected Q8s, the flange was built from the wrong material at the sub-supplier. During the friction welding step at the factory, the flange and the pipe fused together on the surface but never formed a permanent bond underneath. Over time the joint can separate and let transmission fluid leak out. Once enough fluid is lost, the transmission loses lubrication and can be damaged or stop driving the wheels.
The first sign is often oil marks on the ground under the vehicle where it was parked. A dashboard warning lamp also comes on once the fluid drops past a set level.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Audi Q8 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 531 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
Not every 2020 Audi Q8 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
Leaking transmission fluid can make the road surface slippery and raise the risk of a crash for the recalled vehicle and for traffic behind it. Watch for oil marks on the ground under the vehicle and for a fluid-loss warning lamp on the dash. If either appears, stop driving and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Audi Q8 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Audi dealer to schedule the transmission-oil-pipe inspection that addresses the weld defect, with replacement if the pipe shows the fault.
- Reference recall number 20V272 (Audi recall 38C7) when you call the dealer so the service desk pulls the correct repair order.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the recall or the free repair.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. A transmission-fluid leak can make the road surface slippery, so leave extra following distance and avoid hard acceleration.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the transmission oil pipe and replaces it if the weld is insufficient. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing factory warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the affected vehicles fall within the warranty period. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for a transmission fluid leak or related pipe replacement.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 10, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 10, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V272?
Recall 20V272 covers 531 2020 Audi Q8 vehicles with an insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe that can leak automatic transmission fluid. Leaked fluid on the road can create a slippery surface and raise crash risk. Audi dealers will inspect the pipe and replace it if needed, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2020 Audi Q8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q8 is included in recall 20V272. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the transmission oil pipe inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 20V272 and Volkswagen's internal number 38C7 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. Volkswagen will cover the transmission oil pipe inspection and any required replacement at any franchised Audi dealer, regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased.
What warning signs should I watch for on my 2020 Audi Q8?
Watch for red or brown fluid spots under the vehicle where it has been parked, a burning smell, harsh or delayed shifting, or a transmission warning light on the dash. If you notice any of these signs, contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 20V272.
What if I bought my 2020 Audi Q8 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Volkswagen never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Q8 is included in recall 20V272, then contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V272000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V272 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V272000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →