NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi A4 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi A4 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi A4’s safety profile is supported by a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This assessment is further supported by a perfect score in avoidance technology and a minimal record of defects.
The 2023 Audi A4 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi A4 ranks 22 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi A4?
The 2023 Audi A4 moved the NHTSA Safety Index two points upward from the 2022 model's 92/100 to 94/100, both years sitting in the Exceptional band but the 2023 edition inching closer to the ceiling of that tier. The gain is traceable to the sub-score detail: crash protection reached 65 out of 70, avoidance technology scored a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record sub-score landed at 19 out of 20. That near-perfect defect record is directly tied to this model year carrying only one recall and only one reported complaint, both unusually low figures for a mainstream luxury sedan in its first years on the road. The sole recall targets the air bag occupant classification sensor on the front passenger side, a safety-critical system that warrants prompt remedy verification. The frontal crash rating of four stars is the one area where the 2023 A4 falls short of a sweep, while side and rollover protection are each rated at the maximum five stars. Taken together, the 2023 data portrait is one of a vehicle that scores near the top of the MotorCaliber scale on every measurable dimension available from NHTSA.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi A4 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi A4 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection each earned five stars, the latter with a low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. Frontal crash protection, however, received four out of five stars, preventing a perfect crash-protection sub-score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18498
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi A4 have any recalls?
The 2023 Audi A4 carries one recall campaign. Volkswagen Group of America issued a recall covering an air bag occupant classification sensor on the front passenger side, affecting a group of VW Group models that includes the A4. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available NHTSA data for this campaign, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V251000
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
Reported 2024-04-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi A4?
NHTSA records one owner complaint for the 2023 Audi A4. The single unverified allegation involves the Equipment component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported alongside that submission. One complaint across the model year is a notably low figure, though all NHTSA complaints remain unverified consumer allegations.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi A4?
The 2023 Audi A4's airbag occupant classification sensor initiated a recall campaign, meaning that prospective buyers of this model year should verify the recall completion status by running the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool. Open safety recalls transfer with the vehicle, and remedy work is performed at no cost to the owner.
- The 2023 Audi A4 Safety Index rose two points over the 2022 model year, from 92/100 to 94/100, both in the Exceptional band, with the defect record sub-score of 19/20 reflecting this year's single recall and single reported complaint.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test produced a four-star result for this model year, the only rating below five stars across the four NHTSA crash-test categories, while side and rollover each reached five stars.
- The one recall on record for this model year involves the air bag occupant classification sensor on the front passenger side, a safety-critical component that affects proper air bag deployment; VIN verification of remedy completion is essential for any used purchase.
- Only one owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Audi A4, an unverified allegation in the Equipment category with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths attached to it, making this one of the thinner complaint files in the segment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi A4 places
The 2023 Audi A4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi A4 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi A4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi A4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Audi A4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Audi A4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi A4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Audi A4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi A4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2023 Audi A4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A4 years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18498), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A4 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 22 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.