NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi A6 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi A6 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 A6 posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Only one recall has been issued for this model year, contributing to this robust performance in federal safety assessments.
The 2023 Audi A6 Sedan AWD received a five-star overall crash 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 A6 ranks 23 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 | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 23 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi A6?
The 2023 Audi A6 marks a notable step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing from 87/100 in the Strong band for the 2022 model year to 94/100 in the Exceptional band for 2023, a seven-point gain that reflects meaningful improvement across the scoring framework. The defect record component alone scores 19 out of 20, anchored by just a single recall campaign targeting the back-over camera sensing system. Crash protection contributes 65 of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA results: five stars overall, five stars on side impact, five stars for rollover, and a four-star frontal result that is the lone area below the top mark. Avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. The complaint record is exceptionally thin at one reported allegation with no claimed crash, fire, injury, or death outcomes. Taken together, the 2023 model year stands apart from its predecessor specifically because of this convergence of a near-perfect defect record, high crash protection scores, and full avoidance-tech credit, rather than any single dominant factor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi A6 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi A6 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching its performance in side protection and rollover resistance. The rollover risk was assessed at a low 9 percent, with a dynamic no-tip result. Frontal crash protection earned four out of five stars, the sole category not to receive the agency's highest mark.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18511
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi A6 have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2023 Audi A6: a back-over prevention sensing system camera campaign issued by Volkswagen Group of America covering certain 2019-2026 vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign. Used-market shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi A6?
NHTSA records one owner complaint for the 2023 Audi A6, categorized under Unknown Or Other. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been independently confirmed.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi A6?
The 2023 Audi A6 was subject to a recall for its back-over camera, a key safety feature. Owners of this model year should verify that the recall remedy has been performed. An open recall on any used vehicle remains the owner's responsibility to address, at no cost, through an authorized dealer.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 94/100 Exceptional represents a seven-point increase over the 2022 model year score of 87/100 Strong, the largest documented year-over-year gain in the A6's recent index history.
- One active recall campaign covers the back-over prevention sensing system camera on certain 2019-2026 Audi vehicles, including this model year. VIN-level verification is essential for used-market buyers.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned four stars, the only rating below five stars in the 2023 A6's NCAP results. Side impact and rollover both achieved the maximum five-star score.
- The 2023 Audi A6 carries just one NHTSA complaint on record, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities alleged. All complaint data represents unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi A6 places
The 2023 Audi A6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi A6 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi A6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi A6, 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 A6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Audi A6 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 8.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi A6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Audi A6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi A6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2023 Audi A6. 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 A6 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 18511), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A6 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 23 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.