NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Audi SQ7 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Audi SQ7 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Audi SQ7 received no full crash-test ratings from NHTSA, with the rollover assessment being the only published evaluation. This specific model year shows one recall on record, while no owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA. All crash-avoidance technology is standard on the SQ7. Its NHTSA Safety Index stands at 85/100, placing it in the Strong safety band.
The 2026 Audi SQ7 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Audi SQ7 ranks 110 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 110 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Audi SQ7?
The 2026 Audi SQ7 shows a perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology, a strong point for this model year. Standard features across the lineup include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. This contributes to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band and marking a one-point increase from the 2025 model's 84/100. The defect record sub-score stands at 19/20, reflecting a single recall. This recall addresses a back-over prevention camera issue, a campaign that extends across multiple Volkswagen Group vehicles from various model years. In crash protection, the SQ7 receives a sub-score of 56/70. This is based on the sole NHTSA star rating published so far: a 4-out-of-5 for rollover risk, with a 16-percent risk figure and a clean dynamic tip outcome. Overall, frontal, and side impact star ratings from NHTSA are not yet available, which is typical for a current-year model. The absence of owner complaints at this early stage is data that will need continued observation as the vehicle sees more road time.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Audi SQ7 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Audi SQ7 presents an incomplete safety profile, as NHTSA has not issued ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection. The sole available assessment is a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 16 percent rollover risk. The vehicle did pass the dynamic tip test, receiving a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21026
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Audi SQ7 have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2026 Audi SQ7: a back-over prevention sensing system camera campaign issued by Volkswagen Group of America covering certain 2019 through 2026 vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data. Owners should verify remedy status by VIN through the NHTSA recall portal.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Audi SQ7?
Zero owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2026 Audi SQ7. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations are on record. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle with limited time in service, the absence of complaints should be read as early-stage data rather than a definitive safety signal.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Audi SQ7?
The 2026 Audi SQ7 faces a significant safety concern stemming from a back-over prevention camera recall, necessitating a VIN check through the NHTSA database before purchase. As a current-model-year vehicle, the potential for additional recall campaigns remains, making it crucial to verify recall status at the point of sale.
- The 2026 SQ7 gains one index point over the 2025 model year, moving from 84/100 to 85/100, driven by a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score reflecting fully standard active-safety equipment.
- NHTSA has not published overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this model year; the only confirmed star score is a 4-out-of-5 rollover rating with a 16-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- One recall is active for the 2026 SQ7, targeting the back-over prevention sensing system camera across a broad 2019 to 2026 Volkswagen Group vehicle population; remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
- Zero NHTSA complaints are on file for this model year, but the vehicle has had limited time in service, making the complaint record preliminary rather than conclusive.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Audi SQ7 places
The 2026 Audi SQ7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Audi SQ7 safety questions
Was the 2026 Audi SQ7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Audi SQ7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2026 Audi SQ7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Audi SQ7 earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Audi SQ7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Audi SQ7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Audi SQ7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Audi SQ7. 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 SQ7 years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21026), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ7 2026.
- 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 110 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.