NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV Safety Ratings
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it squarely in the Strong band. This new model year arrives with a perfect defect record score and full credit for its avoidance technology, contributing significantly to its overall safety profile. Its rollover rating has been issued.
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and a 4-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV ranks 93 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 93 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV?
For the 2026 model year, the Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV enters the market with a rare distinction: a perfect 20 out of 20 in the defect record component of its safety assessment. This reflects zero recalls and zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA, a noteworthy achievement for a new high-performance SUV. Its avoidance technology also scores a maximum 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The crash protection component, however, contributes 56 out of 70, primarily due to a 4-star rollover rating. Overall, frontal, and side crash ratings are not yet assigned by NHTSA. This incomplete crash-test picture is the primary factor preventing a higher Safety Index score; the absence of these ratings, rather than any confirmed weakness, limits the vehicle's standing. The 2026 RS Q8 Performance MHEV earns an 86 out of 100 in our Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, establishing a meaningful baseline at the start of its production cycle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV perform in crash tests?
The 2026 RS Q8 Performance MHEV has not received a comprehensive safety assessment from NHTSA. While an overall star rating is absent, the model did achieve 4 out of 5 stars in the rollover resistance test. This result is accompanied by a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic evaluation. Frontal and side impact protection remain unrated at this time.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21029
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV. There are zero recall actions recorded with NHTSA for this model year, meaning no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories apply. Shoppers should verify their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database, as records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV?
No owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 RS Q8 Performance MHEV. There are zero alleged incidents involving crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on file. As a current-model-year vehicle with no complaint history, there are no unverified allegations to summarize at this time.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV?
Shoppers considering this vehicle are advised to check the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool prior to purchase or delivery. While no open campaigns currently affect this model, recalls can be issued at any point in a model's lifespan, and verifying remedy completion by VIN remains the most prudent measure.
- The 2026 RS Q8 Performance MHEV has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, earning a perfect 20 out of 20 defect record score in this model year's Safety Index.
- NHTSA has completed only the rollover crash test for this model year, awarding 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk; overall, frontal, and side ratings are not yet assigned.
- All three monitored crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, contributing a full 10 out of 10 to the Safety Index.
- No owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, meaning there are currently no unverified allegations involving crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV places
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV safety questions
Was the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV earned 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 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV. 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.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21029), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi RS Q8 Performance MHEV 2026.
- 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 93 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.