NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Audi SQ8 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Audi SQ8 scores 85 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 2026 Audi SQ8 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it firmly in the Strong safety band. This assessment is bolstered by a perfect score in avoidance technology and an absence of owner complaints. However, the agency has not yet completed its full crash-test regimen for this model year, leaving certain aspects of occupant protection unrated.
The 2026 Audi SQ8 SUV receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Audi SQ8 ranks 111 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 111 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Audi SQ8?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 achieved a Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a marginal improvement over the 2025 model year's 84. A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record component scored 19 out of 20, supported by a single recall and zero owner complaints early in the model year. The crash-protection component, however, returned 56 out of 70, indicating an incomplete assessment. NHTSA has not yet published overall, frontal, or side-impact crash-test results for this model year. This score is based solely on the rollover rating and structural data. The vehicle received a 4-star rollover rating, with a 16-percent risk of rollover and a no-tip dynamic test result. Consumers should view the absent crash-test data as genuinely open questions regarding the vehicle's full crashworthiness. The single recall addresses a camera-based back-over prevention issue, common to a broad range of Volkswagen Group models from 2019 to 2026, and does not carry a park-outside or do-not-drive severity designation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Audi SQ8 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 has not undergone full crash-testing by NHTSA. No overall, frontal, or side protection ratings are available for this model year. The agency's sole published assessment for the SQ8 is its rollover rating: 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test was passed without incident.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21028
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Audi SQ8 have any recalls?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 carries one recall campaign: a back-over prevention issue tied to a sensing system camera fault. Volkswagen Group of America issued this recall covering certain 2019 through 2026 vehicles across multiple models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 2026 Audi SQ8?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Audi SQ8. No reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths appear in the complaint record. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle with limited time in service, the absence of complaints should be read as early-stage data, not a definitive safety signal.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Audi SQ8?
Recall activity is a significant concern for the 2026 Audi SQ8, which already faces an open recall for its back-over prevention camera. As a current-model-year vehicle, owners should verify the remedy status for this issue via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. The potential for additional recall campaigns throughout the year underscores the importance of this VIN verification process, particularly for those considering a purchase.
- The 2026 SQ8 gained one Safety Index point over the 2025 model year, moving from 84 to 85 out of 100, both within the Strong band.
- NHTSA has not rated the 2026 SQ8 for overall, frontal, or side crash protection; the only available star rating is a 4-out-of-5 for rollover with a 16-percent risk figure.
- One active recall covers a back-over prevention sensing system camera fault across certain 2019 through 2026 Volkswagen Group vehicles; VIN verification is required to confirm remedy status.
- The avoidance-tech score is a perfect 10 out of 10, driven by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Audi SQ8 places
The 2026 Audi SQ8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Audi SQ8 safety questions
Was the 2026 Audi SQ8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Audi SQ8, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2026 Audi SQ8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Audi SQ8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Audi SQ8. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Audi SQ8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21028), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ8 2026.
- 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 111 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.