NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2025 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
Limited NHTSA crash-test coverage prevents a full safety assessment of the 2025 Audi SQ8. Despite this, the model secures a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, landing it in the Strong category. Two active recall campaigns have been issued. No owner complaints have been registered with NHTSA for this model year. The Safety Index score is notably bolstered by the vehicle's crash-avoidance technology and a clean record on owner-reported issues.
The 2025 Audi SQ8 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 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 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi SQ8 ranks 119 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 | 119 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi SQ8?
A notable recall campaign for the 2025 Audi SQ8 addresses a primary occupant-restraint component: the front seat belt anchorage. This is one of two recalls issued for the model year; the other concerns the back-over camera sensing system. These two open recalls contribute to a defect record subscore of 18 out of 20. The 2025 SQ8 achieves a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, featuring standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its overall Safety Index stands at 84 out of 100, identical to the 2024 model year. However, the crash protection score of 56 out of 70 is based solely on a 4 out of 5 stars rollover rating, as NHTSA has not published frontal or side crash test results for the 2025 Audi SQ8.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi SQ8 does not have a full suite of NHTSA crash-test ratings. NHTSA has not assigned overall, frontal, or side star ratings to this vehicle, leaving those protection dimensions untested for the model year. The agency did rate the SQ8 for rollover risk, where it earned 4 out of 5 stars. Its calculated rollover risk is 16 percent, and it passed the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20622
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2025 Audi SQ8 is subject to two recall campaigns. One covers the back-over prevention sensing system camera across certain 2019 to 2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles. The second specifically targets front seat belt anchorage on certain 2025 Audi SQ8 and related Q-family models. Neither is a do-not-drive order, but the seat belt anchorage recall is a primary restraint concern that buyers should treat as urgent.
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE25V777000
Risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi SQ8?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2025 Audi SQ8. No unverified allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been filed with the agency for this model year. No top components have been flagged through the complaint channel at this time.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi SQ8?
The 2025 Audi SQ8 enters the market with two open recalls. Both the back-over camera and the front seat belt anchorage recalls require attention. Shoppers considering a used model should confirm these recalls have been remedied, as incomplete recall work transfers with the vehicle's title.
- The 2025 Audi SQ8 has two open recall campaigns specific to this model year: one for the back-over prevention camera sensing system and one for front seat belt anchorage, the latter being a primary restraint component.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 SQ8 a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings are not available for this model year.
- The Safety Index of 84/100 is identical to the 2024 model year score, indicating no year-over-year movement despite the introduction of two new recall campaigns in 2025.
- Zero owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2025 model year, meaning no unverified allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are on record at this time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi SQ8 places
The 2025 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Audi SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20622), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 2025.
- 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 119 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.