NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q3 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi Q3 earns an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, driven by comprehensive standard crash-avoidance technology and a near-clean defect record. Only one recall campaign has been documented.
The 2023 Audi Q3 received an overall five-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi Q3 ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q3?
The 2023 Audi Q3 represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring for this nameplate. The Safety Index climbed to 90/100 in the Exceptional band, up four points from the 2022 model year's 86/100 Strong rating. That movement is not cosmetic: the index breakdown shows a near-perfect avoidance technology score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment rather than options. Crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA five-star overall result. The defect record component scored 19 out of 20, reflecting the single occupant classification recall that touches the front passenger air bag sensor. That recall is shared across a broad Volkswagen Group campaign and does not single out the Q3 for a unique structural or performance failure. The complete absence of owner complaints in the federal database is notable, though it may partly reflect the vehicle's relatively recent entry into the used market. Taken together, the 2023 model year distinguishes itself from its predecessor primarily through the index band upgrade and the perfect avoidance technology score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q3 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi Q3 earned an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. This strong performance is underpinned by a five-star rating in the side-impact crash test. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each achieved four out of five stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18524
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
One recall campaign is on record for the 2023 Audi Q3. It involves the front passenger occupant classification sensor within the air bag system, issued under a Volkswagen Group of America action that also covers several related Audi and Volkswagen models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this vehicle.
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 Q3?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2023 Audi Q3. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths attributed to this model year in the federal database. Because no allegations have been filed, there are no top components to flag at this time.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi Q3?
The 2023 Audi Q3 has an open recall concerning the front passenger occupant classification sensor. This airbag component issue necessitates dealer inspection and remedy, and prospective buyers of used models should verify the recall's status via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 90/100 Exceptional marks a four-point gain over the 2022 Q3's 86/100 Strong rating, driven in part by a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology score.
- NHTSA's side-impact test returned five stars for the 2023 Q3, while frontal and rollover protection each came in at four stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor under a broad Volkswagen Group of America campaign filed in 2024.
- Zero owner complaints appear in the NHTSA database for the 2023 Q3, meaning no unverified allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q3 places
The 2023 Audi Q3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q3 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi Q3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 Q3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Audi Q3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Audi Q3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi Q3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Audi Q3. 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 Q3 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18524), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q3 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 36 of 139 in the SUV 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.