NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi A5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 60 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This strong showing is supported by robust NHTSA crash-test results and a complete absence of active recall campaigns. However, this model year represents a modest dip in the index from 2019. A cluster of unverified electrical complaints also warrants attention.
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback received an overall 5-out-of-5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 based exclusively on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback ranks 37 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 60 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback?
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback recorded zero recall campaigns, an uncommon achievement. This factor contributes to its overall Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This score represents a three-point decrease from the 2019 model year's 93/100, largely attributable to the defect record sub-score of 16.5 out of 20. This sub-score reflects owner complaint volume, not recall activity. NHTSA crash protection ratings remain a strong point, contributing 65 out of 70 to the index, anchored by a 5 out of 5 star overall rating. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is 8.5 out of 10. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning and electronic stability control. Lane departure warning is listed as optional, not standard. The most notable safety-adjacent concern for the 2020 A5 Sportback is the volume of unverified owner complaints, totaling 60. These complaints concentrate heavily in the Electrical System category and are the most plausible explanation for the index movement compared to the prior year. The complaint record includes one alleged crash and one alleged death, though these are consumer allegations and not established findings.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety assessments. Side impact and rollover protection each earned a perfect 5 stars, with a low 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip observed. The frontal crash rating, at 4 out of 5 stars, was the sole area that did not reach a perfect score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14775
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added at any time after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback?
Owners have filed 60 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The Electrical System dominates with 41 alleged reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 25 and Back Over Prevention at 15. Lane Departure, Seat Belts, and Forward Collision Avoidance each account for a small number of additional unverified allegations.
60 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback?
Any shopper considering this six-year-old vehicle should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. While no campaigns are currently on file, recall status can change. Confirm that any optional safety technology, particularly lane departure warning, is present and functioning on the specific unit being evaluated.
- The 2020 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that distinguishes it from many vehicles in its segment and age bracket.
- The Safety Index fell three points from the 2019 model year's 93/100 to 90/100, a decline driven by complaint volume rather than any crash-test regression, as the five-star overall NHTSA rating held.
- Sixty unverified NHTSA complaints are on file for this specific model year, with 41 of those targeting the Electrical System, making that the dominant area of alleged owner concern.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional equipment for this model year, meaning not every 2020 A5 Sportback on the used market will include it; buyers should verify which safety technologies are present on the individual vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback places
The 2020 Audi A5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi A5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 60 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi A5 Sportback. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A5 Sportback years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14775), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A5 Sportback 2020.
- 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 37 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.