NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi Q7 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi Q7 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi Q7 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, positioning it within the Strong band. While the vehicle received a 4-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA, and four recall campaigns have been issued, the comprehensive crash-test results and standard safety technology features largely support a favorable safety assessment for this model year.
The 2019 Audi Q7 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 and an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi Q7 ranks 37 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi Q7?
Four recall campaigns across 2019 and 2020 define the defect record for the 2019 Audi Q7, ultimately contributing to a Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This Safety Index score is notably influenced by a defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20, the weakest of its three component areas. A compromised bolt within the steering assembly, addressed by one recall, presents a direct hazard to vehicle control. Equally significant is a recall concerning the side curtain airbags, a crucial component for occupant protection that the vehicle's 5 out of 5-star side crash rating presumes to operate correctly. A further campaign related to shock absorbers shapes this recall history. The Q7's crash protection is robust, earning 61 out of a possible 70 points. Its avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, with lane departure warning available as an option. While the 2019 Q7 demonstrates a strong crash-test profile, its recall history necessitates careful consideration by prospective owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi Q7 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi Q7 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its side impact protection received the top score of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both rated 4 out of 5 stars. The Q7 demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13715
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2019 Q7. The most safety-critical involve a steering bolt connection that could affect steering control, a side curtain air bag that may not deploy correctly in a crash, C-pillar padding that may not absorb impact as designed, and front shock absorbers with a potential structural defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but all four campaigns warrant VIN-level verification.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS20V658000
Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.
Reported 2020-10-27
STEERING20V149000
Risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Reported 2020-03-16
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW20V093000
Risk: An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AJ.
Reported 2020-02-19
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER19V114000
Risk: Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Reported 2019-02-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi Q7?
Sixty-one unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently reported components are Steering and Suspension, each with 10 alleged reports, followed by the Electrical System with 9 and the Fuel/Propulsion System with 8. Five reports allege crash involvement. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi Q7?
Before considering a used 2019 Q7, all four recall campaigns must be confirmed as remedied via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. An unresolved steering or air bag recall on a seven-year-old vehicle presents a safety exposure that a pre-purchase inspection alone cannot resolve.
- The 2019 Q7 carries a specific steering recall affecting the bolt connecting the steering assembly, a direct vehicle-control risk that requires VIN-level confirmation of remedy completion.
- A separate 2019-specific side curtain air bag recall means the 5-star side crash rating could be undermined on units where the remedy has not been applied.
- The defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 83/100 Safety Index, driven entirely by the four recall campaigns filed for this model year.
- Sixty-one unverified NHTSA complaints include 5 alleged crash events, with Steering and Suspension each leading at 10 reported allegations, a pattern that aligns with the active steering and suspension recall campaigns on this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi Q7 places
The 2019 Audi Q7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi Q7 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi Q7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi Q7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2019 Audi Q7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi Q7 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 15.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi Q7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi Q7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi Q7. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q7 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13715), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q7 2019.
- 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 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- 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.