MODEL
Audi Q3 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Audi Q3 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Audi Q3 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 79. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV aimed squarely at urban professionals and small families who want premium German refinement in a manageable footprint. Sitting at the entry point of Audi's SUV lineup, the Q3 competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in the market, where safety credentials carry real weight alongside badge appeal and interior quality.
The 2023 Audi Q3 earned a NHTSA Safety Index score of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its crash-test performance shows a strong 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection, a critical measure in real-world collisions. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both registered 4 out of 5 stars. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Q3 has accumulated 16 recalls. This figure is elevated for a premium compact SUV, and prospective buyers should verify the recall status of any specific vehicle via a VIN check on NHTSA.gov. Owner complaints total 107 for the covered years, including 5 reported crashes and 3 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, their presence in the dataset warrants attention. The Q3 presents as a safe vehicle, but its recall record prevents an unqualified endorsement.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Audi Q3 as a polished, well-appointed entry-level luxury SUV that delivers a premium cabin experience and composed driving manners for its class. Most praise its upscale interior relative to segment rivals, while some note that its feature set and powertrain options are more modest compared to pricier siblings in the Audi lineup.
- The 2023 Q3 earns the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this coverage window at 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - making it the standout model year from a pure safety-score perspective.
- Side-impact crash protection is rated 5 out of 5 stars, the strongest result across all tested categories, while frontal and rollover ratings each come in at 4 out of 5 stars.
- Sixteen recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is a notably elevated figure for this segment - always run a VIN check at NHTSA.gov to confirm any outstanding recalls have been addressed before purchase.
- Owner complaints across covered years include 5 reported crashes and 3 reported injuries, all unverified allegations - the numbers are not alarming in volume, but shoppers should review the specific complaint categories relevant to their target model year on the NHTSA database.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Audi Q3 with 5 recalls.