NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi Q8 scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 107 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
An overall five-star crash protection rating from NHTSA anchors the 2019 Audi Q8's safety profile. This strong performance in impact scenarios is a significant factor in its NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. However, the presence of five active recall campaigns and a low score for its avoidance technology features introduce complexities for prospective owners considering this model year.
The 2019 Audi Q8 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, sourced from federal 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 Q8 ranks 44 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 107 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 44 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi Q8?
The 2019 Q8 debuts with a NHTSA Safety Index score of 82/100, categorized as "Strong." This initial assessment is notable for its uneven distribution of points. While crash protection accounts for 66 of a possible 70 points, its avoidance-tech subscore registers a mere 2 out of 10. This low score reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, with only electronic stability control provided as standard. NHTSA crash tests awarded the 2019 Q8 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection. The vehicle received 4 out of 5 stars in the rollover assessment. The defect record subscore of 14 out of 20 reflects five recall campaigns. These include a steering bolt recall specific to 2019 Q8 and Q7 models, and a fuel pump recall affecting 2019-2021 Q8 units. The most recent recall, concerning lane departure software on vehicles that had already undergone a prior remedy, indicates an unresolved issue. Owner complaints for the 2019 Q8 stand at 107, with filings as recent as mid-2026, indicating an ongoing concern for this seven-year-old model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi Q8 earned an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its crash tests. Frontal and side impact protection each received 5 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's relative weakness was in rollover resistance, where it scored 4 out of 5 stars. This reflected a 16 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip-test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13716
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2019 Q8. Components involved include front shock absorbers, a steering bolt connecting to the steering gear, a fuel pump internal component, a backup camera sensing system, and lane departure software on vehicles previously repaired under an earlier recall. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the data, but all five campaigns warrant VIN verification.
LANE DEPARTURE:SOFTWARE26V125000
Risk: The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-04
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
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
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
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 Q8?
Owners have filed 107 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Power Train, each cited in 43 reports, followed by Engine at 31. One crash and two injuries are alleged in those unverified filings.
107 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi Q8?
Any used 2019 Q8 should be run through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. All five recall campaigns must be confirmed complete, particularly the steering bolt and the follow-on lane departure software remedy, as incomplete repairs on safety-critical systems carry real consequences.
- The 2019 Q8 is the nameplate's first model year, so its 82/100 Strong Safety Index has no prior-year baseline for comparison.
- A steering recall specific to 2019 Q8 vehicles addresses the bolt connecting the steering column to the steering gear, a safety-critical component requiring confirmed remedy completion.
- The avoidance-tech subscore of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, which directly suppresses the overall Safety Index.
- A follow-on lane departure software recall issued for vehicles previously repaired under an earlier campaign indicates that at least one remedy was not fully effective, making VIN-level recall verification especially important for this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi Q8 places
The 2019 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi Q8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi Q8 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 15.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 107 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi Q8. 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 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 13716), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 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 44 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.