NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi RS Q8 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 2 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong safety band. This score reflects robust performance in crash protection and a flawless assessment for its avoidance technology. While its recall record is lean, with only two reported recalls, the overall safety profile for the 2023 RS Q8 is genuinely competitive.
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi RS Q8 ranks 79 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 79 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi RS Q8?
The 2023 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the RS Q8 in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index rose five points to 84/100, moving the vehicle out of the Average band it occupied in 2022 at 79/100 and into the Strong band. That improvement is driven by the defect-record component, which scores 18 out of 20, reflecting the low complaint volume and a manageable two-recall footprint for the year. The avoidance-tech score is a perfect 10 out of 10, confirming that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this configuration. Crash protection contributes 56 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 4-star rollover rating and the No Tip dynamic result, though the absence of NHTSA frontal and side star ratings means a portion of that sub-score relies on available data rather than a full test suite. The two recalls, one addressing side air bag integrity and one covering the back-over camera system, are the primary safety concerns specific to this model year and deserve attention from any current or prospective owner.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi RS Q8 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 has not been assigned an overall, frontal, or side star rating by NHTSA. The agency's crash test data for this model year is limited to a 4 out of 5-star rollover rating, reflecting a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test. The absence of further ratings indicates that these specific safety dimensions remain untested by the agency.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18537
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi RS Q8 have any recalls?
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 carries two NHTSA recall campaigns. The first targets the driver's-side seat side air bag on certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RS Q8, Q8, and Q7 models. The second is a back-over prevention camera recall covering a broad range of 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive or park-outside order, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
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
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW23V868000
Risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
Reported 2023-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi RS Q8?
NHTSA's complaint database shows zero owner complaints filed against the 2023 Audi RS Q8. No crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities have been alleged in reports to the agency. There are no top components to flag and no recent filings to summarize. This absence of unverified allegations is notable for a vehicle of this performance tier.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi RS Q8?
For the 2023 RS Q8, two open recall campaigns warrant immediate attention for any prospective buyer. The first addresses a side airbag issue, and the second concerns the back-over camera system. It is imperative that the VIN of any specific vehicle be checked against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to verify the status of these repairs. Confirmation of remedy completion should be obtained from the selling dealer or a franchised Audi service center.
- The Safety Index rose from 79/100 in 2022 to 84/100 in 2023, a five-point gain that moved the RS Q8 from the Average band into the Strong band for this specific model year.
- NHTSA has tested rollover resistance for the 2023 RS Q8, awarding 4 out of 5 stars with a 16-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, but overall, frontal, and side crash ratings are not rated for this year.
- Two recall campaigns are attached to this model year: one for the driver's seat side air bag on 2023-2024 Q8-family vehicles, and one for a back-over prevention camera system spanning a wide range of 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group models.
- Zero owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2023 RS Q8, meaning there are no unverified allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or component failures on record for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi RS Q8 places
The 2023 Audi RS Q8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi RS Q8 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi RS Q8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi RS Q8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2023 Audi RS Q8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Audi RS Q8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi RS Q8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi RS Q8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18537), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi RS Q8 2023.
- 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 79 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.