NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q8 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi Q8 earns an "Exceptional" rating from MotorCaliber, with a Safety Index of 94 out of 100. This places it among the highest-performing vehicles for the model year. The Q8 received perfect scores for its integrated crash avoidance technology. Prospective buyers should, however, note two active recall campaigns and confirm their resolution.
The 2023 Audi Q8 SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi Q8 ranks 15 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 15 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q8?
The 2023 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Q8 in MotorCaliber's scoring framework. The Safety Index climbed six points to 94/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band it occupied in 2022 at 88/100 into the Exceptional band. That gain is traceable in the component breakdown: crash protection reached 66 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology claimed a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component contributed 18 of 20 points. The NHTSA five-star overall rating, with five stars in both frontal and side disciplines, anchors the crash-protection score. The rollover rating of four stars and a 16 percent risk figure are the only places where the 2023 Q8 falls short of a clean sweep, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, providing partial reassurance. Two recall campaigns do affect this model year, one addressing side air bag hardware and one covering back-over camera sensing, and their presence explains why the defect-record component did not reach a perfect 20. The complete absence of owner complaints in NHTSA's database is notable for a three-year-old vehicle, though it should be read as a data snapshot rather than a guarantee.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi Q8 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its performance in frontal and side impact protection was similarly strong, each earning 5 stars. The Q8's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with NHTSA reporting a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18535
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Q8. The first targets the side and window air bags, specifically the driver seat side air bag, affecting 2023-2024 Q8 and related Audi models. The second is a broad back-over prevention camera recall spanning 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory in the supplied data, but buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
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
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW23V868000
Risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
Reported 2023-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi Q8?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2023 Audi Q8. No crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities have been alleged in filings against this model year. There are no top components to flag. Because NHTSA complaints are unverified consumer allegations, this zero figure reflects the absence of reported concerns, not a formal certification.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi Q8?
For the 2023 Q8, two significant recall campaigns warrant attention, particularly concerning safety-critical systems. One addresses the side air bag, while the other involves the back-over camera. Prospective owners should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that both issues have been fully remedied, as an outstanding recall for such components should be resolved prior to vehicle acquisition.
- The 2023 Q8 Safety Index of 94/100 is a six-point increase over the 2022 model year score of 88/100, a year-over-year gain that moved the vehicle into the Exceptional band for the first time.
- NHTSA's 2023 Q8 crash results include a 5-star overall, 5-star frontal, and 5-star side rating, but the rollover discipline came in at 4 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk, making it the one area where the vehicle did not achieve a perfect score.
- Two open recall campaigns affect this specific model year: a driver seat side air bag defect covering 2023-2024 Audi Q8 and related models, and a back-over prevention camera recall spanning a wide range of 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles including the Q8.
- NHTSA shows zero owner complaints filed against the 2023 Q8, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities alleged in the complaint database for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q8 places
The 2023 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi Q8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2023 Audi Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18535), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 2023.
- 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 15 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.