NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron 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 Q4 Sportback E-Tron earns a Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. That score, backed by a five-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect avoidance-tech score, makes this one of the stronger safety profiles in its class for this model year.
The 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a Safety Index of 90/100 according to 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 Sportback E-Tron ranks 37 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 | 11.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron?
The 2023 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Q4 Sportback E-Tron in safety scoring. The Safety Index rose three points to 90/100 in the Exceptional band, up from the 2022 model's 87/100 in the Strong band. That band crossing matters: it reflects a vehicle that not only held its crash-test ground but also achieved a perfect ten out of ten on avoidance technology and a near-perfect nineteen out of twenty on defect record. The crash-protection component of sixty-one out of seventy anchors the score alongside those supporting pillars. The single recall on record targets gear position indication, a concern shared across the broader Volkswagen Group platform rather than a flaw unique to this body style, and no elevated complaint volume has emerged to suggest a pattern of field problems. The absence of any filed complaints is notable for a vehicle now three years into the used market, where ownership populations typically generate at least some unverified allegations. Taken together, the 2023 vintage of this model presents a safety profile that is both stronger than its immediate predecessor and supported by real NHTSA test data across all major categories.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron achieved an overall five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, earning a full five-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at four stars. The rollover risk for the Q4 Sportback E-Tron is eleven percent, and it recorded no tip in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18527
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron. The campaign addresses gear position indication in the powertrain, specifically the PRNDL display, issued by Volkswagen Group of America and affecting certain 2022 to 2023 Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on file, and no top components have been flagged through unverified consumer allegations 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 Sportback E-Tron?
A significant recall affects the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron, related to the gear position indication. Shoppers considering this model year should consult NHTSA's recall lookup tool with the specific vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm that the necessary remedy has been completed. The status of this open recall can vary by individual vehicle, making VIN-specific verification essential.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 90/100 in the Exceptional band marks a three-point gain over the 2022 model's 87/100 Strong rating, a cross-band improvement driven by a perfect avoidance-tech score and a near-perfect defect record component.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing gave this specific model year a five-star overall and a five-star side-impact result, with frontal and rollover each at four stars and a measured rollover risk of eleven percent.
- One active recall targets the powertrain gear position indication system across the Volkswagen Group EV platform; used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- Zero NHTSA complaints are on file for this model year, meaning no unverified allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or component failures have been submitted by owners to the federal database.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron places
The 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron, 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 Q4 Sportback E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback 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 Sportback E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback 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 Sportback E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Audi Q4 Sportback 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 Sportback 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 18527), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q4 Sportback 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 37 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.