NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron has achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band for overall safety. This assessment is based on a comprehensive set of NHTSA crash-test ratings and a perfect score in avoidance technology evaluations. While the vehicle's defect record includes four recalls, none of these have resulted in an unresolved do-not-drive directive, indicating that critical safety issues have been addressed.
The 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 based on 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 Q4 E-Tron ranks 61 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron?
The 2023 model year represents a measurable step forward for the Q4 E-Tron in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index rose four points to 87/100 from the 2022 model year's 83/100, both within the Strong band, but the 2023 figure pushes closer to the top of that tier. The gain is driven by the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment. The defect-record sub-score of 16 out of 20 reflects the four recall campaigns that touch this year, covering gear-position indication, headlight software, EV charging hardware, and airbag deployment. The airbag recall stands out because deployment failures carry direct occupant-injury risk. The zero-complaint count is notable: it means no owner has filed an allegation with NHTSA for this specific model year, which prevents any complaint-driven score penalty. Taken together, the 2023 Q4 E-Tron's profile is defined by strong crash-test performance and a recall slate that is real but does not include any active do-not-drive order in the supplied data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Q4 E-Tron achieved an overall 5 out of 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal crash and rollover assessments each earned 4 stars, the side crash protection proved a standout, securing the full 5-star rating. The rollover risk was measured at 11 percent, and the vehicle recorded a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18525
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are: gear-position indication in the powertrain, headlight lighting-control-module software, the onboard EV charging cable and cord in the electrical propulsion system, and airbag deployment. The airbag recall, issued earliest, is the most safety-critical. Prospective buyers should verify remedy completion for all four campaigns by VIN at NHTSA.gov before purchase.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)25V120000
Risk: Failure to display the gear position may result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the brake control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97H3. Audi's number for this recall is 454R.
Reported 2025-02-27
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V361000
Risk: Incorrect headlight control module software may cause the parking lights not to operate as intended when the headlights are turned on and the turn signals are activated, which can reduce vehicle visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the headlight control module with a new data set, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 941L.
Reported 2024-05-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD23V842000
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's num
Reported 2023-12-13
AIR BAGS23V189000
Risk: In the event of a crash, a torn air bag cannot protect occupants as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install cloth tape in the driver and front passenger B-pillar area, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69FA.
Reported 2023-03-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2023 Q4 E-Tron. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities in the complaint database for this model year. Because the complaint count is zero, there are no top components or unverified allegations to summarize 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 Q4 E-Tron?
Four recalls have been issued for the 2023 Q4 E-Tron, a significant number for a single model year. Two of these campaigns address critical safety components: the airbags and the charging cable. Prospective owners of a used 2023 Q4 E-Tron should verify through NHTSA.gov that all recall remedies have been performed, as resolving open recalls post-purchase becomes the buyer's responsibility.
- The 2023 Safety Index of 87/100 is four points higher than the 2022 model year's 83/100, a concrete year-over-year improvement within the Strong band.
- Four distinct recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering airbag deployment, onboard EV charging cable hardware, headlight-control-module software, and gear-position indication, making VIN-level remedy verification essential.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and rollover risk is quantified at 11 percent, context that sits alongside the 4-star rollover rating.
- The crash-avoidance tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10 for this year, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on the 2023 model.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron places
The 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron 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 11.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. 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 Q4 E-Tron 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 18525), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q4 E-Tron 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 61 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.