MODEL
Audi E-Tron S
NHTSA safety across every Audi E-Tron S model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Audi E-Tron S we cover (2022 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 92 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 89. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Audi E-Tron S is a performance-oriented, all-electric midsize SUV aimed at luxury buyers who want serious acceleration alongside premium refinement. Slotting above the standard E-Tron in Audi's lineup, it targets drivers who expect both a commanding road presence and the kind of safety engineering associated with the German brand's top-tier vehicles. For model years 2022 and 2023, it presents a compelling safety case worth examining closely.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on what the federal data actually tells us, and for the Audi E-Tron S, the story is largely positive. The 2023 model earns a best NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, with the 2022 model scoring in the Strong band. That upward trajectory across just two model years is a meaningful signal. Crash-test results show a solid 4 out of 5 stars in frontal protection and a perfect 5 out of 5 in rollover resistance, a result that reflects the low center of gravity benefits typical of battery-electric platforms. The side-impact rating was not recorded in our covered data, which leaves a gap shoppers should note before drawing a complete picture. What stands out most starkly, however, is the recall and complaint record: zero recalls and zero owner-reported complaints across both model years. No reported crashes, no fires, no injuries, no deaths in the NHTSA complaint database. That is genuinely rare for any vehicle, let alone one sold in meaningful volume. We always note that complaints are unverified allegations, but the complete absence of them here is still worth acknowledging. The E-Tron S enters this evaluation with as clean a federal safety record as we see. The missing side-impact rating is the one honest asterisk on an otherwise impressive safety profile.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the E-Tron S as a polished, premium electric SUV that prioritizes comfort and refinement alongside strong performance. Most praise its composed ride, upscale interior, and confident handling. Some note that its real-world driving range trails certain competitors, and a few point to the infotainment learning curve, but the overall reception is favorable for buyers prioritizing luxury and driving feel.
- The 2023 E-Tron S achieves a 92 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, the highest rating tier in our covered model years.
- Frontal crash protection earns 4 out of 5 stars, which is strong but not perfect. Shoppers seeking a 5-star frontal score should verify whether updated testing data becomes available for their specific trim.
- Side-impact crash-test data was not recorded in the NHTSA results for our covered model years, leaving a meaningful gap in the full crash-test picture that buyers should factor into their evaluation.
- Across both the 2022 and 2023 model years, the E-Tron S carries zero recalls and zero owner complaints in the NHTSA database, an unusually clean federal safety record that sets it apart from most vehicles in its segment.