NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi Q8 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi Q8 achieved a strong overall rating from NHTSA. This performance in federal crash testing supports its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in our Strong band. This represents a seven-point gain over the 2019 model year's Index score.
The 2020 Audi Q8 received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 Strong, based on 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 Q8 ranks 22 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi Q8?
The 2020 Audi Q8 represents a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed seven points to 89/100 from the 2019 model's 82/100, with both years sitting in the Strong band but the 2020 sitting notably higher within it. The crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 anchors that improvement, reflecting the five-star sweep across overall, frontal, and side categories. The rollover score of four stars is the one area short of a perfect result, though the 16 percent risk figure and the No Tip dynamic result provide important context. The avoidance tech score of 7 out of 10 reflects the presence of standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, while the absence of a standard lane departure warning holds that sub-score below its ceiling. The defect record sub-score of 16 out of 20 accounts for the three recall campaigns specific to this year, including a powertrain cooling weld concern that was unique to the 2020 model year rather than a broader multi-year sweep. For a six-year-old vehicle, the combination of strong crash test performance and a rising Index makes the 2020 Q8 one of the more safety-credentialed entries in its used-market segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi Q8 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal and side impact protection were each rated at five stars. Its rollover resistance test, however, earned four stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14792
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Q8. The first addresses a transmission oil pipe with an insufficient weld in the powertrain cooling lines. The second targets the gasoline fuel pump on certain 2019 to 2021 Q8 models. The third, a broad multi-model campaign, covers the back-over prevention camera sensing system. No do-not-drive or park-outside advisory is noted in the data provided.
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES20V272000
Risk: If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.
Reported 2020-05-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi Q8?
Owners have filed 26 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine with 7 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and the Electrical System each with 5 alleged reports. Two complaints allege a crash event. All figures are unverified consumer allegations.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi Q8?
For the 2020 Audi Q8, three recall campaigns have been issued. Any shopper considering a used model should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase. An unresolved recall transfers to the new owner, and all three campaigns, including the transmission oil pipe weld and the fuel pump concern, must be confirmed as remedied.
- The 2020 model year carries a transmission oil pipe recall specific to 2020 Q8 vehicles, tied to an insufficient weld that is distinct from the broader multi-year campaigns also affecting this vehicle.
- The Safety Index rose seven points from the 2019 Q8 to the 2020 Q8, both within the Strong band, making the 2020 the higher-scoring of the two consecutive years.
- Forward collision warning is standard on this model year, but lane departure warning is listed as not standard, which is reflected in the avoidance tech sub-score of 7 out of 10.
- Twenty-six unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Engine allegations leading at seven reports and Forward Collision Avoidance allegations second at five, a pattern worth monitoring when reviewing the vehicle's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi Q8 places
The 2020 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi Q8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (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 14792), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 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 22 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.