NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi Q7 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi Q7 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 5 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi Q7 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in our Strong band. The five recall campaigns registered for this model year present a notable concern. Despite these recalls, the vehicle demonstrates solid crash protection and avoidance hardware; however, its defect record warrants scrutiny from prospective buyers.
The 2020 Audi Q7 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and a five-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi Q7 ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 46 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi Q7?
The 2020 Audi Q7 posts a Safety Index of 85/100, a two-point gain over the 2019 model's 83/100, both sitting in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is meaningful in context: the crash-protection sub-score reaches 63.8 out of a possible 70, the highest component in the index, anchored by the five-star side result and a solid four-star rollover outcome. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7/10 reflects standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though the absence of standard lane departure warning limits the ceiling here. Where this model year draws the most scrutiny is its defect record sub-score of 13.75/20, pulled down by five distinct recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns are particularly pointed for safety: the air bag control module software recall, which carries the risk of an unintended second-stage deployment, and the forward collision camera software incompatibility recall unique to 2020 Q7 vehicles. The fuel pump recall adds a third mechanical concern. Together, these campaigns make the defect record the weakest pillar of an otherwise competitive safety profile for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi Q7 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi Q7 earns a perfect five stars for side impact protection. While NHTSA did not publish an overall or frontal crash rating for this model year, the Q7's performance in side-impact scenarios is a strong point. The rollover assessment further supports its stability, receiving four out of five stars with a 16 percent risk and a "No Tip" outcome in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14956
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2020 Q7. The most safety-critical targets the air bag control module, which may incorrectly deploy the second-stage inflator. A separate campaign addresses forward collision camera software incompatibility. Additional campaigns cover the fuel pump, back-over prevention camera, and C-pillar padding absorption. No do-not-drive order appears in the data, but the air bag and collision-avoidance recalls warrant prompt VIN verification.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-19
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V212000
Risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90N7.
Reported 2023-03-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V516000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Reported 2022-07-20
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE21V078000
Risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Reported 2021-02-17
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi Q7?
Owners have filed 25 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (10 reports), Engine (7), Power Train (3), Service Brakes (2), and Forward Collision Avoidance (2). One alleged fire and one alleged injury appear in the dataset. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi Q7?
Any shopper considering a used 2020 Q7 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. With five campaigns on record, including the air bag module and forward collision camera recalls, confirming that each remedy has been completed at a franchised dealer is the single most important safety step for this specific model year.
- The 2020 Q7 carries a recall specific to this model year: a forward collision camera software incompatibility that can compromise the collision-avoidance system, making VIN verification essential for used buyers.
- The air bag control module recall, covering 2020 and 2021 Q7 vehicles, identifies a risk of incorrect second-stage deployment, a serious safety concern that should be confirmed as remedied before operating the vehicle.
- NHTSA did not assign an overall or frontal crash-test star rating to the 2020 Q7, so the side five-star and rollover four-star results are the only scored dimensions available for this model year.
- The two-point Safety Index gain over the 2019 model year is driven primarily by the strong crash-protection sub-score of 63.8/70, but the defect record sub-score of 13.75/20 reflects the weight of five active recall campaigns on this specific year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi Q7 places
The 2020 Audi Q7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi Q7 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi Q7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi Q7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2020 Audi Q7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi Q7 earned 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 2020 Audi Q7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi Q7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi Q7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi Q7. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q7 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14956), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q7 2020.
- 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 46 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.