NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi A5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall rating from NHTSA. No recalls have been issued for this model year, and just seven unverified owner complaints are on file with the agency. These federal data points contribute to a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band.
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback received an overall five-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100 sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback ranks 14 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 95 / 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 | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 14 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the A5 Sportback in federal safety data. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed five points to 95/100 from the 2020 model year's score of 90/100, both within the Exceptional band but with the 2021 clearly pulling ahead. That gain is explained by the index breakdown: crash protection reached 65 out of 70, avoidance tech scored a perfect 10 out of 10, and the defect record earned a perfect 20 out of 20, driven entirely by the absence of any recall campaigns. A rollover risk figure of 10 percent and a dynamic tip result of none reinforce the side and rollover five-star ratings. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all listed as standard equipment, which is what pushed avoidance tech to its maximum score. The seven reported complaints are a notably low volume for a vehicle of this age, and none allege a crash, fire, injury, or death. Taken together, the 2021 A5 Sportback represents the strongest federal safety data snapshot this nameplate has produced in the years covered by MotorCaliber records.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback achieved an overall five out of five stars in NHTSA's safety evaluations. Both side impact and rollover resistance tests earned five-star ratings, the highest possible. However, its frontal crash protection rating of four out of five stars prevented a perfect score across all assessed categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15593
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback. No components are under an active federal recall, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as records can be updated after any vehicle changes hands.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback?
Seven unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited are the electrical system and an unknown or other category, each with two reports, followed by single allegations involving the power train, air bags, seating, and forward collision avoidance. All are unverified allegations, not established defects.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback?
For any used vehicle, buyers must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Even with zero campaigns on file today, recalls can be added at any time. Verifying that any future remedy has been completed at a dealership is the single most important safety step for a used-vehicle transaction.
- The 2021 model year index of 95/100 is five points higher than the 2020 model year's 90/100, with a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20/20 driven by zero recalls on file.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned four out of five stars, the only rating below the five-star ceiling, while side and rollover both achieved five stars.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on this model year, earning the maximum avoidance tech sub-score of 10/10.
- Seven unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them, making this one of the lower complaint volumes in its segment for a vehicle of this age.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback places
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi A5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 2021 Audi A5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi A5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Audi A5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback. 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 A5 Sportback years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15593), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A5 Sportback 2021.
- 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 14 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.