NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi SQ8 scores 82 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 2020 Audi SQ8, despite a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, presents an incomplete safety profile due to limited federal data. Only one active recall is on record, with zero owner complaints, suggesting a stable operational history. However, the absence of most NHTSA crash-test ratings means the full extent of its protective capabilities remains largely unassessed by federal standards.
The 2020 Audi SQ8 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi SQ8 ranks 60 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi SQ8?
A remarkably clean defect record defines the 2020 Audi SQ8, which achieves a Safety Index of 82 out of 100, rated Strong. Its defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 stands out. This is driven by an empty owner complaint file and a single recall concerning a backup camera sensing fault. NHTSA crash testing for the 2020 SQ8 was notably narrow. The agency rated rollover performance at 4 out of 5 stars, identifying a 16 percent rollover risk, though dynamic tip testing returned a clean result. No frontal or side crash protection ratings were published, meaning the crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 derives from incomplete data. Standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control contribute to an avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10, with the absence of lane departure warning noted.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi SQ8 has not been fully evaluated by NHTSA for crashworthiness. While most star ratings remain unassigned, the SQ8 did earn 4 out of 5 stars in rollover protection, presenting a 16 percent risk of rollover. This result is based on a passing dynamic tip test; however, no data has been published for overall, frontal, or side impact protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14793
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
The 2020 Audi SQ8 carries one recall campaign, issued by Volkswagen Group of America covering certain 2019 through 2026 vehicles. The campaign targets the back-over prevention sensing system, specifically a camera fault. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data on file, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi SQ8?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2020 Audi SQ8. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in the complaint database for this model year. There are no top components to report. All NHTSA complaints are unverified consumer allegations.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi SQ8?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Audi SQ8 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the backup camera sensing system recall has been remedied. An open recall on a 6-year-old vehicle may mean the repair was never completed by a prior owner.
- NHTSA awarded the 2020 Audi SQ8 a 4 out of 5 star rollover rating with a 16 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result, but frontal and side crash ratings were never conducted for this model year.
- One recall is on record for the 2020 SQ8, targeting a back-over prevention camera fault across a broad 2019 to 2026 Volkswagen Group range. Buyers of used examples should confirm via VIN whether the remedy has been performed.
- The 2020 SQ8 carries a defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20, reflecting one recall and zero NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, a notably clean complaint profile.
- Forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard on the 2020 SQ8, but lane departure warning is absent, a gap that factors into the avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi SQ8 places
The 2020 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi SQ8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2020 Audi SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi SQ8 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 2020 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi SQ8. 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 SQ8 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14793), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 2020.
- 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 60 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.