NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi SQ8 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 SQ8 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a four-point increase over the 2022 model. While its avoidance technology score is perfect, NHTSA has not yet published full frontal or side crash test results for this model year.
The 2023 Audi SQ8 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi SQ8 ranks 81 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 | 81 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi SQ8?
The 2023 Audi SQ8 posts a Safety Index of 84 out of 100, a meaningful four-point improvement over the 2022 model's 80. That gain is traceable in the index breakdown: a perfect 10 out of 10 in crash-avoidance technology, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment. The defect record component also scores well at 18 out of 20, reflecting the limited complaint footprint and a two-recall burden that, while not trivial, covers components shared across a wide multi-model Volkswagen Group population rather than faults unique to this vehicle. The crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 is the area that keeps the index from climbing higher, and that figure is shaped partly by the absence of NHTSA frontal and side test data. The rollover result of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk estimate is the one hard crash-test data point available and is a competitive figure for a large performance SUV. Taken together, the 2023 SQ8 represents a measurably stronger safety profile than its immediate predecessor, anchored by its technology score and a clean complaint record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi SQ8 has not undergone full crash-test evaluations by NHTSA. No star ratings for overall, frontal, or side impact protection are available. In the singular assessment published, the SQ8 achieved 4 out of 5 stars for rollover protection. NHTSA estimated a 16 percent rollover risk for the vehicle, which passed the dynamic tip test without incident.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18536
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Audi SQ8. The first targets the driver's side air bag, affecting 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The second is a back-over prevention camera sensing system issue spanning a broad 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group range. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive or park-outside directive based on available data.
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 SQ8?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2023 Audi SQ8. No crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities have been alleged. There are no top components to cite. The absence of complaints reflects the current reporting record and not a guarantee of future filings.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi SQ8?
Before purchase, any shopper considering a used 2023 Audi SQ8 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Both open campaigns, covering the side air bag and the back-over camera system, require confirmation that remedies have been completed by a dealer.
- The 2023 SQ8 improved four index points over the 2022 model, reaching 84 out of 100 in the Strong band, with a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-technology sub-score driving that gain.
- NHTSA has not conducted frontal or side crash tests on the 2023 SQ8, meaning those star ratings are absent entirely rather than low, and the rollover result of 4 out of 5 stars is the only structural crash-test figure on record.
- Two recall campaigns are active: a driver's side air bag defect specific to 2023-2024 Audi Q-family models, and a back-over prevention camera issue spanning a wide 2019-2026 Volkswagen Group vehicle range.
- Zero owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, leaving no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the federal database at this time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi SQ8 places
The 2023 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi SQ8, 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 SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (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 18536), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 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 81 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.