NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q8 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Five-star overall and frontal crash protection anchor the 2021 Audi Q8's safety profile. This SUV earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. However, seven recall campaigns and a defect-record sub-score of 13/20 are meaningful considerations for any prospective buyer.
The 2021 Audi Q8 SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, derived entirely from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi Q8 ranks 28 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- 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 | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 28 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi Q8?
A 16 percent rollover risk and four-star rollover rating are the one area where the 2021 Audi Q8's crash-test performance falls short of otherwise dominant five-star results. The model achieves an overall Safety Index of 89/100, identical to the 2020 model year. This score reflects strong crash protection at 66/70 and a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology. Standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all contribute to this perfect sub-score. However, the defect-record component stands at only 13/20, a primary drag on the overall figure. Seven recall campaigns for this specific model year explain that lower sub-score. These campaigns address consequential safety systems, including back-over camera sensing, instrument cluster electrical faults, rearview display function, and the fuel pump. For a vehicle now five years old, the combination of a strong crash-test foundation and an active recall history defines the safety profile of the 2021 Q8.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q8 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching this score for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance registered at four out of five stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover in the agency's tests. The Q8 successfully completed the dynamic tip test without tipping.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15617
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented issues include a back-over prevention sensing camera, an instrument cluster and electrical system fault, a rearview display function failure, a gasoline fuel pump component defect, and a tire concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN directly with NHTSA.
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V201000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Reported 2025-03-31
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
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
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi Q8?
A total of 28 unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Q8. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (13 reports), Engine (6), and Power Train and Fuel System (4 each). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi Q8?
Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 Q8. Any prospective buyer of this model year should run the specific vehicle identification number through the NHTSA recall database. Confirming completion of all applicable recall remedies at a dealership is a critical pre-purchase step.
- Seven recall campaigns are recorded for the 2021 Q8 specifically, covering the back-over prevention camera, instrument cluster electrical system, rearview display, fuel pump, and tires. Remedy completion should be verified by VIN before any used purchase.
- The defect-record sub-score of 13/20 is the single largest reason the Safety Index did not exceed the Strong band, directly reflecting the volume and nature of those seven recall campaigns.
- NHTSA crash tests produced five stars overall, five stars frontal, and five stars side for this model year, with rollover the only category below five stars at four stars and a 16 percent measured risk.
- Twenty-eight unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System alone accounting for 13 of those reported complaints, a concentration worth monitoring against the instrument cluster recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi Q8 places
The 2021 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Audi Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi Q8. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q8 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15617), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 2021.
- 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 28 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.