NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi Q8 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi Q8 presents a strong federal safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. This assessment is supported by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection. Further contributing to its high rating are full crash-avoidance technologies and a record of only two recalls.
The 2025 Audi Q8 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi Q8 ranks 22 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 | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi Q8?
The 2025 Audi Q8 marks a two-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 92/100 in the 2024 model year to 94/100, both within the Exceptional band. That incremental climb is grounded in specific data: crash protection scores 66 out of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earns a perfect 10/10 reflecting standard equipment status for forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component contributes 17.5 out of 20. The two recall campaigns active for this model year are meaningfully different in character. The seat-belt anchorage recall is a structural safety item specific to a defined group of 2025 Q-family vehicles, making remedy verification by VIN a priority. The back-over camera recall spans a wide multi-year population and represents a sensing-system concern rather than a structural one. With only two unverified complaints on file, the 2025 Q8 has generated minimal NHTSA complaint volume so far, though the complaint window for a vehicle this new remains open.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi Q8 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance, however, presents a relative concern, earning four out of five stars, coupled with a 16 percent rollover risk. This rating stands despite the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20621
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi Q8 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Audi Q8. The first addresses front seat-belt anchorage across certain 2025 Audi Q8, RS Q8, SQ8, and Q7 vehicles. The second is a broader multi-year campaign targeting the back-over prevention camera sensing system. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available 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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE25V777000
Risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi Q8?
Two owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Audi Q8. Alleged problem areas include Unknown Or Other, Air Bags, and Forward Collision Avoidance, with one alleged crash reported. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi Q8?
Both active recall campaigns for the 2025 Audi Q8, addressing the seat-belt anchorage and the back-over camera, require confirmation of dealer remedies. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle, so any prospective owner should ensure these issues are resolved before purchase.
- The 2025 Audi Q8 Safety Index rose two points year-over-year, from 92/100 in 2024 to 94/100, driven by a near-maximum crash protection subscore of 66/70 and a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology score.
- A seat-belt anchorage recall is specific to certain 2025 model-year Audi Q8, RS Q8, SQ8, and Q7 vehicles, making VIN-level remedy verification essential before any used purchase.
- The rollover rating of four out of five stars, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only area where NHTSA scoring falls short of the maximum for this model year.
- Only two owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, alleging issues in the Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance categories, but these remain unverified allegations with no confirmed defect status.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi Q8 places
The 2025 Audi Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi Q8 safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Audi Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20621), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q8 2025.
- 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 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.