MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Audi Q8

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Audi Q8

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
2Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI Q8

The Audi Q8 is a flagship luxury SUV that slots above the Q7 in Audi's lineup, targeting buyers who want a sportier, coupe-influenced silhouette without sacrificing rear-seat space or premium refinement. Competing against the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Q8 has been offered from the 2019 model year onward and appeals to drivers who prioritize bold styling and a high-end driving experience in a large, road-presence package.

VERDICT

The 2025 Audi Q8 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Q8 for its distinctive styling, upscale interior quality, and composed, confidence-inspiring driving dynamics. Most find it a compelling alternative to more conventional large luxury SUVs, though reviewers tend to note that the sloping roofline can compromise rear headroom and cargo practicality compared to boxier segment rivals.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20621

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record17.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 1Air Bags 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Other Q8 years

Rivals in SUV (2025)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20621), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Q8 2025. Class rank 22 of 153 in SUV 2025. Methodology · Disclosure