NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2024 Audi SQ8 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 2 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Audi SQ8 presents a notable paradox in its safety profile. While it achieves a perfect score in avoidance technology and earns a strong 84/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, the absence of most NHTSA crash-test star ratings leaves a significant gap in our understanding of its occupant protection. Two active recall campaigns are on record for this model year.
The 2024 Audi SQ8 SUV AWD receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Audi SQ8 ranks 89 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 | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 89 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Audi SQ8?
The 2024 Audi SQ8's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, the only crash dimension for which NHTSA has published data. This limited testing contributes to its crash protection score of 56 out of 70, reflecting the absence of overall, frontal, or side star ratings. The vehicle achieves a strong 84/100 on its Safety Index, consistent with the 2023 model, indicating no change in its safety profile. A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology is a highlight, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard features. The defect record is also strong, earning 18 out of 20 points, supported by a low count of two recalls and only two unverified owner complaints. These two recalls, one for side airbags in a specific Audi group and another for back-over prevention cameras across a broad range of Volkswagen Group vehicles, represent the primary safety concerns for the 2024 SQ8.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Audi SQ8 achieved 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's rollover resistance test, with a 16 percent estimated rollover risk. The dynamic maneuver test concluded with a "No Tip" result. Federal safety regulators did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings to this model, limiting a full assessment of its structural protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19513
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
The 2024 Audi SQ8 is subject to two recall campaigns. The first targets the driver's seat side air bag on certain 2023 to 2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The second is a broad back-over prevention camera recall spanning certain 2019 to 2026 Volkswagen Group models. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory 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 2024 Audi SQ8?
NHTSA has recorded 2 owner complaints for the 2024 Audi SQ8, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The top components cited are the Electrical System, Lane Departure system, and Forward Collision Avoidance system. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as confirmed defects.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Audi SQ8?
Two open recall campaigns affect the 2024 Audi SQ8, underscoring the importance of checking a specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Both the side air bag and back-over camera recalls require attention; prospective owners should confirm these remedies are complete, rather than assume prior action by a seller.
- The 2024 SQ8 Safety Index of 84/100 is unchanged from the 2023 model year, indicating no gain or loss in the composite safety profile between these two consecutive years.
- NHTSA has not issued overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for the 2024 SQ8, so the only rated crash dimension is rollover, which scores 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk estimate and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Two recall campaigns are active for this model year: a side air bag recall specific to certain 2023 to 2024 Audi models and a back-over prevention camera recall covering a broad range of 2019 to 2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, contributing to a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Audi SQ8 places
The 2024 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2024 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 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 2024 Audi SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19513), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 2024.
- 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 89 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.