2025 Audi Q8 Safety Report

The 2025 Audi Q8 demonstrates a strong overall safety profile based on its NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars for rollover. This indicates excellent performance in protecting occupants during various collision scenarios. However, despite its newness, the vehicle has already accumulated 2 recalls, which is a notable point for a brand-new model year. The complaint data, while minimal with only 1 total complaint, points to a critical incident involving a crash where the forward collision avoidance system and airbags were implicated. The single complaint describes a rear-end collision at 25-30 MPH where the driver 'did not notice that the vehicle in front was coming from a stop,' suggesting a potential issue with driver awareness or the effectiveness of the forward collision avoidance system in that specific scenario. This single crash resulted in no reported injuries, fires, or deaths. The recall history highlights two significant safety concerns. One recall addresses a software error that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash due to reduced visibility. The second, and perhaps more critical, recall involves potentially missing rivets in the driver and front passenger seat belt buckles. A seat belt missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury. These recalls, particularly the seat belt issue, are serious and require immediate attention from owners to ensure the vehicle's fundamental safety systems are fully functional. In summary, while the 2025 Audi Q8 excels in crash test performance, the early recall activity, especially concerning seat belts and rearview cameras, indicates some initial manufacturing or software quality control issues. The single complaint, though isolated, raises questions about the real-world performance of its forward collision avoidance system in certain situations. Prospective buyers should ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should prioritize verifying that all open recalls, especially the critical seat belt and rearview camera issues, have been fully addressed by the dealership before purchase, despite the vehicle's excellent crash test ratings.