NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi SQ8 scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 6 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi SQ8 enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, a score that places it firmly within the Strong band. This assessment is supported by robust crash-avoidance technology and a partially completed crash-test record from NHTSA. However, the vehicle's safety profile is tempered by six distinct recall campaigns and a two-point decline in its Safety Index from the preceding 2020 model year. The SQ8 demonstrates competent safety performance, though its recall history will require monitoring.
The 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi SQ8 ranks 77 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi SQ8?
The 2021 Audi SQ8 posts a Safety Index of 80 out of 100 in the Strong band, but that figure represents a two-point decline from the 2020 model year's score of 82. The drop is meaningful in context: the avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 is constrained by the absence of NHTSA frontal and side crash-test data, leaving the rollover result, a solid 4-out-of-5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic result, as the only direct crash-test evidence available. The defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects the weight of six recall campaigns, which span safety-critical systems including back-over prevention cameras, the instrument cluster, tires, and seat belt retractors. The breadth of those campaigns across multiple Volkswagen Group platforms in the same model year is a defining characteristic of this specific SQ8. The complaint volume of three reported incidents is low in absolute terms, but the power-train and electrical allegations align with two of the recall categories, a pattern worth noting for prospective used-market buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi SQ8 received no frontal or side crash test ratings from NHTSA; performance in those critical areas remains unassessed. The sole available NHTSA evaluation for the SQ8 is its rollover rating. The vehicle earned 4 out of 5 stars, with a calculated rollover risk of 16 percent. It passed the dynamic tip test without incident.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15618
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include the back-over prevention camera sensing system, 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 campaign data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN directly with 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi SQ8?
Three unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 SQ8. The top alleged problem areas are the power train, cited in two reports, and the electrical system and suspension, each cited in one report. These are unverified allegations by vehicle owners and have not been confirmed as defects.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi SQ8?
Six recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Audi SQ8. Any prospective owner must run a specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool to confirm which remedies have been completed. This is the single most important safety step in the buying process for this model year.
- The 2021 SQ8's Safety Index of 80 out of 100 fell two points below the 2020 model year's score of 82, driven largely by a defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 tied to six active recall campaigns.
- NHTSA assigned a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 16 percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic result, but frontal and side crash-test ratings were never conducted for this model year, leaving significant crash-protection data gaps.
- The six recalls for this model year cover a notably wide range of safety systems: back-over prevention cameras, instrument cluster electronics, tire integrity, and rear seat belt retractors, making VIN-level recall verification essential for used-market transactions.
- All three owner complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year are unverified allegations, with power-train issues cited most frequently, followed by electrical system and suspension concerns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi SQ8 places
The 2021 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi SQ8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2021 Audi SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15618), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 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 77 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.