NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron achieves an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. This, combined with its standard crash-avoidance technology and a mere two recalls, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it within the Exceptional band for the model year. The federal safety profile for this vehicle is notably strong.
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron received a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron ranks 31 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron?
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron maintains an Exceptional Safety Index of 93 out of 100, mirroring its 2024 predecessor. This consistent performance stems largely from a robust 65 out of 70 for crash protection and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology. Standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, contribute to this high rating. However, the vehicle's frontal crash test rating, at four out of five stars, is a notable exception to its otherwise strong crash-test results. The defect record, scoring 17.5 out of 20, reflects two active recall campaigns. One recall addresses seat belt anchorage issues specific to certain 2025 Audi Q8 and related models. The second is a broader Volkswagen Group recall concerning back-over cameras. Only two owner complaints have been registered; one describes an alleged crash, and the other pertains to the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a critical element in its avoidance technology score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron earned an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, reflecting strong performance in most impact scenarios. Both side impact and rollover protection categories received five out of five stars, with a low 9 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip observed in testing. The frontal crash rating, however, stands at four out of five stars, making it the relative outlier in an otherwise top-tier assessment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20623
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets front seat belt anchorage on certain 2025 Audi Q8 and related Volkswagen Group vehicles. The second is a broad multi-year back-over prevention camera sensing system recall spanning 2019 through 2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data.
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE25V777000
Risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron?
NHTSA has received two owner complaints for this model year. Unverified allegations touch three components: Unknown Or Other, Air Bags, and Forward Collision Avoidance. One alleged crash is reported. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron?
Before purchasing a used 2025 Q8 E-Tron, buyers should run its VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. This is to confirm that the seat belt anchorage and back-over camera campaigns have been remedied. Unresolved recalls transfer with ownership; addressing them becomes the buyer's responsibility.
- The 2025 model year carries two open recall campaigns: one for front seat belt anchorage specific to certain 2025 Audi Q8 and related vehicles, and one for a back-over prevention camera system affecting a broad range of 2019 through 2026 Volkswagen Group models.
- The Safety Index held at 93/100 from 2024 to 2025, meaning no improvement or decline year-over-year, with the defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 accounting for those two active recalls.
- The frontal crash test produced four stars, the only rating below five in an otherwise top-scoring NHTSA result that includes five stars for side, rollover, and overall performance.
- Owner complaint volume is very low at two unverified reports, but one allegation involves the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is a standard safety feature this vehicle's avoidance tech score depends on.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron places
The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Audi Q8 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 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron. 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 Q8 E-Tron years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20623), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 E-Tron 2025.
- 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 31 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.