NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi RS Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 7 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 presents a complex safety profile, marked by a notable decline in its NHTSA Safety Index to 79/100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a significant drop from the previous model year, primarily influenced by its defect record. While its crash-avoidance technology suite remains comprehensive, the overall safety assessment reflects the impact of these issues.
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi RS Q8 ranks 80 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi RS Q8?
The 2021 RS Q8 registered a notable decline in its NHTSA Safety Index score, dropping to 79/100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a three-point decrease from the 2020 model's 82/100 Strong rating. The primary factor in this downturn is the defect record component, which contributed a modest 13 out of a possible 20 points. Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 RS Q8. These recalls address a range of components, including back-over prevention cameras, instrument cluster electronics, tires, and seat belt retractors. The variety of these issues suggests potential cross-platform supplier concerns rather than a singular defect. In terms of crash protection, the vehicle scored 56 out of 70. This result is limited by a near-complete lack of NHTSA frontal and side crash-test data for the 2021 RS Q8. The single tested dimension, rollover, achieved 4 out of 5 stars, indicating a 16 percent risk. The avoidance technology category, however, earned a perfect 10 out of 10. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the model's trim. For those considering this model year in the used market, the volume of recalls and the dip in its overall Safety Index score from the preceding year are the most significant safety considerations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi RS Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 was not assigned an overall safety rating by NHTSA. The agency also did not publish frontal or side crash test ratings for this model. The only crash protection category for which NHTSA provided data is rollover, where the RS Q8 earned 4 out of 5 stars. It demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. Without further testing, conclusions about other areas of crash protection for the 2021 RS Q8 cannot be drawn from federal data.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15619
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi RS Q8 have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover the 2021 RS Q8. Components involved include the back-over prevention sensing camera, the instrument cluster and electrical system, the back-over prevention display function, tires, and rear seat belt retractors. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion for all seven campaigns by VIN at NHTSA.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi RS Q8?
Two unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 RS Q8. The top component cited in these unverified reports is the Electrical System, followed by Steering. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in those filings.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi RS Q8?
Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 RS Q8, a notable volume for a single model year. Prospective owners should verify that all necessary recall work has been completed before purchase. These campaigns address critical safety components, including the back-over camera and seat belt retractors. A comprehensive review of the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is strongly advised to ensure all identified safety defects have been remedied.
- The 2021 RS Q8 Safety Index dropped three points to 79/100 Average from the 2020 model's 82/100 Strong rating, with the defect record component scoring 13/20 as the primary drag.
- Seven recall campaigns are attached to this specific model year, covering the back-over prevention camera, instrument cluster electronics, tires, and rear seat belt retractors, an unusually broad range of systems.
- NHTSA assigned a rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk figure, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings were never conducted for this model year, leaving those protection areas unquantified.
- Only two unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System and Steering cited as the top components in those unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi RS Q8 places
The 2021 Audi RS Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi RS Q8 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi RS Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi RS Q8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Audi RS Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi RS Q8 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 2021 Audi RS Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi RS Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi RS Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi RS Q8. 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.
Other RS Q8 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15619), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi RS Q8 2021.
- 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 80 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.