NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi RS Q8
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Audi RS Q8 is a high-performance luxury SUV that occupies one of the most exclusive corners of the full-size segment. Aimed squarely at drivers who want supercar-rivaling performance wrapped in a practical, premium body, this flagship RS model blends aggressive styling with serious driving dynamics. It competes against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo, targeting affluent buyers who refuse to compromise between speed and utility.
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15619
Index breakdown
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V201000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Reported 2025-03-31
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
ENGINE21V339000
Risk: Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.
Reported 2021-05-12
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.