MODEL
Audi RS Q8 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Audi RS Q8 model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Audi RS Q8 we cover (2020 to 2024), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 79. 17 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi RS Q8 was not evaluated in any federal crash test category by NHTSA. Neither frontal crash, side crash, nor rollover resistance data is available. There have been no recalls for this model year. NHTSA has recorded no owner complaints for the RS Q8. There are no reported injuries or deaths associated with this vehicle.
The 2023 RS Q8 achieved a Safety Index score of 84 out of 100, the highest recorded for the model between 2020 and 2024. While respectable, this score falls within a performance band ranging from Strong to Average across model years, not reaching class-leading status for its segment and price. A significant concern for safety-conscious consumers is the incomplete crash-test data from NHTSA. Frontal and side impact ratings are listed as "not rated" for the best-performing year, with only a 4 out of 5 rollover rating available. This gap in independent verification is substantial. The model's recall record stands at 17 across all covered years, a notable figure for a low-volume, specialized vehicle. Prospective buyers should confirm which recalls apply to a specific vehicle and verify all remedies have been implemented. In contrast, owner complaints are minimal, totaling just 2 across all covered years. These filings report zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, suggesting that widespread safety-related issues are not being reported by owners. Nevertheless, the incomplete crash-test data for the RS Q8 prevents a confident endorsement based solely on safety performance.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the RS Q8 as one of the most thrilling and capable performance SUVs on the market, praising its extraordinary straight-line speed, composed handling, and richly appointed interior. Most acknowledge it as a technical showcase for Audi engineering. Criticisms tend to center on its considerable size and weight rather than on outright safety concerns.
- The RS Q8 has not received full NHTSA frontal or side crash-test star ratings across our covered model years, meaning key independent crash-protection data is simply missing for this vehicle.
- The 2023 model year produced the best Safety Index score in our coverage window at 84 out of 100, but earlier and later years fall into the Average band, so model year selection matters when prioritizing safety.
- Seventeen recalls have been issued across the 2020 to 2024 model years. Given the low production volumes of this model, that is a high recall count, and any prospective buyer should run a VIN check on NHTSA's database to confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- Owner complaint volume is very low at just 2 total filings, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those unverified allegations, which is a modestly reassuring signal despite the incomplete crash-test picture.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi RS Q8 with 7 recalls.