NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, largely on the strength of its NHTSA crash-test performance and comprehensive standard crash-avoidance technology. Two active recalls, however, warrant attention from prospective owners.
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron ranks 27 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 | 92 / 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 | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 27 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron?
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron debuts with an Exceptional Safety Index score of 92 out of 100. This inaugural rating is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for its crash-avoidance technology. The defect-record sub-score, however, registered 17 out of 20, reflecting a deduction for two active recall campaigns. Both recalls specifically address braking system hardware. This aligns with owner complaint data, where Service Brakes are the most frequently reported concern, accounting for 8 of the 18 unverified allegations. The Electrical System follows with 7 reported issues, a common area for scrutiny in battery-electric vehicles. While the vehicle achieved 5-star ratings in all but one NHTSA crash-test category, its frontal crash rating is 4 stars, indicating a specific area for potential enhancement. The data presents a picture of high tested safety performance, with the caveat of ongoing brake-related recall activity.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron secured an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This top-tier rating was supported by perfect 5-star scores for both side impact and rollover protection. The Sportback E-Tron demonstrated a low 9 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in dynamic testing. The only assessment that did not achieve the maximum 5-star rating was frontal protection, which earned 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19517
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in June 2024, targets the service brakes air supply system, specifically hoses, lines, piping, and fittings on 2024 Q8 Sportback E-Tron Quattro vehicles. The second, issued in April 2026, addresses service brake hydraulic pedals and linkages across a broader Audi E-Tron lineup that includes this vehicle. Neither campaign has been publicly designated a do-not-drive or park-outside order, but both involve braking hardware and warrant prompt attention.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES26V240000
Risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46P7. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V621. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov
Reported 2026-04-15
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS24V428000
Risk: Reduced braking ability can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pressure line as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47DE.
Reported 2024-06-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron?
Eighteen owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 8 reports and the Electrical System with 7. Smaller clusters of alleged issues touch Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control. One fire allegation has been reported; no injuries or fatalities are on file.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron?
Any shopper considering a used 2024 Q8 Sportback E-Tron should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Both brake-system recall campaigns may still be open on individual vehicles, and confirming that the remedy has been completed is the single most safety-relevant step a used-market buyer can take.
- Two active recall campaigns both involve braking hardware: one covers air-supply hoses and fittings in the brake system, the other covers hydraulic brake pedals and linkages. Brake-system recalls on an electric vehicle warrant priority verification by VIN.
- The frontal crash-test result of 4 out of 5 stars is the only area where NHTSA testing did not return a top score. Side, rollover, and overall ratings all reached 5 stars, and rollover risk measured at 9 percent with a No Tip result in dynamic testing.
- Eighteen unverified owner complaints are on file, with Service Brakes accounting for 8 of them. The overlap between the complaint data and the two brake-related recall campaigns makes this a specific, data-grounded caution point for this model year.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, contributing to the perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron places
The 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Audi Q8 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 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 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron. 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 Q8 Sportback E-Tron years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19517), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 Sportback E-Tron 2024.
- 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 27 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.