MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Audi E-Tron S Safety

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 MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

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.

The 2023 Audi E-Tron S presents a genuinely rare federal safety record, with zero recalls and zero owner-reported complaints for both the 2022 and 2023 model years. This complete absence of reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the NHTSA database is notable, especially for a vehicle sold in volume. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index for 2023 stands at 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, an improvement from the 2022 model's Strong band score. Federal crash-test results show 4 out of 5 stars for frontal protection. The E-Tron S achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance, a performance consistent with the low center of gravity inherent to battery-electric vehicle designs. However, the side-impact rating was not recorded in the available data, which represents a significant gap for consumers assessing the vehicle's full safety profile. This missing data point is the primary caveat on an otherwise impressive safety showing.

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.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • 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.

Safety Index by year

BY YEARE-Tron S by model year

Other Audi models