NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi Q3 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi Q3 achieves an Exceptional rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 90 out of 100. This assessment is supported by the vehicle's 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, alongside a nearly perfect score in avoidance technology, presenting a robust federal safety profile.
The 2025 Audi Q3 received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi Q3 ranks 65 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 | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi Q3?
The 2025 Audi Q3 represents a meaningful step forward from the prior model year. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 88/100 in the Strong band for the 2024 model to 90/100 in the Exceptional band for this year, a two-point gain that pushed the vehicle across a band boundary. That improvement is anchored in the crash protection component, which accounts for 61 of a possible 70 index points, combined with a perfect 10/10 avoidance tech score reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record sub-score of 19/20 reflects the single recall on file, a back-over prevention software campaign shared with other Volkswagen Group vehicles. That one recall keeps the defect record sub-score high rather than perfect. The complaint volume of three unverified allegations is notably low for a vehicle in its first year of availability, and none of the reported allegations involve crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. Taken together, the 2025 Q3 posts one of the cleaner federal safety profiles in its segment for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi Q3 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi Q3 achieves an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection tests are a standout, earning a full 5-star rating. Both frontal impact and rollover protection received 4 out of 5 stars. The Q3's rollover risk is assessed at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing returning a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20607
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
The 2025 Audi Q3 carries one recall campaign. It is a back-over prevention software defect issued by Volkswagen Group of America, covering certain 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles alongside related Volkswagen models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V082000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this
Reported 2025-02-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi Q3?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Audi Q3. The alleged components span the Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Seats, Electrical System, Seat Belts, and an Unknown category. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi Q3?
The 2025 Audi Q3 faces a critical safety concern with an open recall regarding its back-over prevention software. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to verify with the NHTSA database whether this recall has been addressed on any specific vehicle, as an unremedied recall poses a clear safety risk.
- The 2025 Audi Q3 crossed from the Strong band into the Exceptional band of the NHTSA Safety Index, rising two points from the 2024 model year score of 88/100 to 90/100.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 Q3 a 5-star overall rating, with side protection scoring a perfect 5 stars and both frontal and rollover protection scoring 4 stars each.
- One recall is on file for this model year, a back-over prevention software defect issued by Volkswagen Group of America covering certain 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles; buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- Only three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi Q3 places
The 2025 Audi Q3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi Q3 safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi Q3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Audi Q3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi Q3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20607), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q3 2025.
- 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 65 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.