MODEL
Audi Q8 E-Tron
NHTSA safety across every Audi Q8 E-Tron model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Audi Q8 E-Tron we cover (2024 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi Q8 E-Tron is a fully electric premium midsize SUV competing at the upper end of the luxury EV segment. Aimed at buyers who want a refined, technology-forward alternative to the Tesla Model X or BMW iX, it blends a sleek fastback silhouette with Audi's signature interior quality. The Q8 E-Tron is a serious contender for safety-conscious shoppers who refuse to compromise on comfort or brand prestige.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on one thing: how safe is this vehicle? For the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron, the headline number is strong. The 2025 model earns a 93 out of 100 on our NHTSA Safety Index, placing it firmly in the Exceptional band. That is not a participation trophy - it reflects genuinely competitive crash-test performance across the board. Side and rollover protection each score a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, which is exactly what you want to see in a tall, heavy electric SUV. The frontal result of 4 out of 5 stars is solid, though not flawless, and shoppers should weigh that against class competitors. Across the 2024 and 2025 model years we track, there are 5 recalls on record. That figure is worth monitoring but is not alarming for a vehicle in active production. Owner complaints total just 20 across both years, with one reported crash and one reported fire noted in those submissions. These are unverified allegations, and the raw numbers are low relative to the vehicle's sales footprint, but the fire report warrants attention given the ongoing industry conversation around EV battery safety. On balance, the Q8 E-Tron presents a genuinely strong safety profile. The Exceptional NHTSA rating is earned, and the complaint volume is modest. This is a well-protected vehicle for families who prioritize safety in the luxury EV space.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Q8 E-Tron for its polished, upscale interior and composed, quiet ride quality that sets a high bar in the electric luxury SUV segment. Most consider its technology integration and build refinement to be class-competitive strengths, though some note that range and charging speed invite direct comparisons to newer rivals.
- The 2025 Q8 E-Tron earns a 93 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, landing in the Exceptional band - one of the stronger results in the luxury EV SUV segment.
- Side and rollover crash protection each achieve a perfect 5 out of 5 NHTSA stars, making the Q8 E-Tron a particularly strong performer in the crash scenarios most likely to cause serious injury in SUVs.
- Five recalls have been issued across the 2024 to 2025 model years we cover. Shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle by checking the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase.
- Owner complaints include one reported fire among 20 total submissions across both covered model years. These are unverified allegations, but given broader industry scrutiny of EV battery safety, prospective buyers should stay current on any NHTSA investigations tied to this model.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron with 2 recalls.