NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2024 Audi Q8 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Audi Q8 demonstrates exceptional protection in crash scenarios. On its crash-test results alone, this model performs at a very high level. However, three recall campaigns and 18 unverified owner complaints contribute to its final NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, positioning it in the Exceptional band.
The 2024 Audi Q8 SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 based on NHTSA 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 ranks 23 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 23 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Audi Q8?
The 2024 Audi Q8 posts a Safety Index of 92/100, a two-point drop from the 2023 model year score of 94/100, yet both years remain firmly in the Exceptional band. The retreat is traceable primarily to the defect record sub-score of 16 out of 20, reflecting the three active recall campaigns specific to or inclusive of this model year. Crash protection remains the standout component at 66 out of 70, anchored by a five-star overall NHTSA rating and perfect frontal and side scores. The avoidance technology sub-score is a full 10 out of 10, consistent with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all shipping as standard equipment on this year. The side air bag recall, which specifically names 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, and Q7 vehicles, is the most model-specific defect concern for this year. The back-over camera recall spans a much wider multi-year, multi-model population, diluting its specificity to the 2024 Q8 but still counting against the defect record. The net picture is a vehicle with elite crash-test credentials and a modest but real recall footprint that pulled the index just below its prior-year mark.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Audi Q8 received a four-star rating for rollover protection, with a 16 percent risk identified and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test. All other federal crash-test results for the Q8 were top-tier, with NHTSA awarding the model five out of five stars for overall protection, frontal crash protection, and side crash protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19512
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 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2024 Q8. One targets driver-side seat side air bags on 2023-2024 Q8 and related models. A second involves the front passenger occupant classification sensor for air bag deployment. A third, spanning 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles, addresses back-over prevention camera sensing systems. No do-not-drive or park-outside order is noted in the data.
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:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V251000
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
Reported 2024-04-03
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 2024 Audi Q8?
Eighteen unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Service Brakes with eight allegations and Electrical System with seven. Forward Collision Avoidance and Unknown Or Other categories each carry three reported allegations. One fire allegation appears in the dataset. All are unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Audi Q8?
Shoppers considering a used 2024 Q8 must confirm all three recall campaigns have been remedied by running the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This is particularly critical for the side airbag and occupant classification sensor campaigns, both of which directly impact occupant protection systems.
- The 2024 Q8 Safety Index fell two points to 92/100 versus the 2023 model year score of 94/100, with the defect record sub-score of 16/20 reflecting three active recall campaigns.
- A recall specific to 2023-2024 Q8 and related models covers the driver seat side air bag, a component directly relevant to occupant protection in a side-impact event.
- NHTSA crash testing returned a five-star overall rating with a four-star rollover score and a measured 16 percent rollover risk, making rollover the single area where protection falls short of maximum.
- Service Brakes account for eight of the eighteen unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA for this model year, making it the most frequently cited component in the complaint record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Audi Q8 places
The 2024 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2024 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Audi Q8, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Audi Q8. 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 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 19512), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 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 23 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.