MODEL
Audi Sq7
NHTSA safety across every Audi Sq7 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Audi Sq7 we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 80. 17 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi SQ7 is a performance-tuned, three-row luxury SUV competing at the top of a crowded segment. Built for families who want genuine driving engagement without sacrificing premium comfort, it pairs Audi's sport-oriented S-line DNA with the practicality of a full-size hauler. It targets affluent buyers who refuse to choose between speed and space, positioning itself against rivals like the BMW X7 M60i and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.
The Audi SQ7 earns a best NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 in its 2023 model year, placing it in the Strong band and representing the high-water mark across the 2020 to 2025 coverage window. That is a respectable score for a large, performance-oriented luxury SUV, though shoppers should note that full frontal and side star ratings are listed as Not Rated across covered years, meaning NHTSA has not run the complete battery of crash tests on this vehicle. The one confirmed star rating is a 4 out of 5 for rollover, which is typical for a tall, heavy SUV in this class and worth keeping in mind for drivers who push the SQ7 hard on its sport-tuned suspension. The recall picture is the most significant flag here. Sixteen recalls across six model years is a meaningful number, even for a technically complex luxury vehicle. Shoppers should verify that any SQ7 they consider has all outstanding recalls resolved before purchase. Owner complaints are notably low at just 11 total, with one reported injury and no crashes or fires noted, though NHTSA reminds consumers that all complaints are unverified allegations. The thin complaint volume may partly reflect the SQ7's relatively low sales numbers rather than an absence of issues. Overall, the SQ7 shows a solid safety index score but carries a recall history that demands due diligence.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the SQ7 as one of the most dynamically satisfying large luxury SUVs available, praising its composed handling, strong acceleration, and upscale interior execution. Most acknowledge that the premium pricing and complex technology can be polarizing, and some note that the driving experience edges ahead of pure practicality compared to more family-focused three-row alternatives.
- Sixteen recalls across the 2020 to 2025 model years is a high count for this segment. Before buying any SQ7, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool and confirm every open recall has been completed by an authorized dealer.
- NHTSA has not assigned full frontal or side crash-test star ratings to the SQ7 in the covered years, so buyers cannot rely on a complete federal crash-test picture. The only confirmed star rating is a 4 out of 5 for rollover resistance.
- The 2023 model year achieved the strongest NHTSA Safety Index score of 84 out of 100 in the Strong band, making it the safest-rated year in the coverage window and a logical target if safety ranking is a priority for your purchase.
- Owner complaints are very low at 11 across six model years, with one reported injury and no crashes or fires among those unverified allegations. While encouraging, the SQ7's limited sales volume means the complaint pool is small, so this data point should be read cautiously rather than treated as a clean bill of health.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi Sq7 with 6 recalls.