MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Audi A5 Sportback

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
7Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI A5 SPORTBACK

The Audi A5 Sportback occupies a distinctive niche as a four-door fastback in the premium midsize segment, blending coupe-like styling with genuine rear-seat practicality. Aimed squarely at buyers who want German luxury with a sportier silhouette than a traditional sedan, the A5 Sportback competes against rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes CLA. It draws shoppers who prioritize refinement, design, and a composed driving experience.

VERDICT

The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the A5 Sportback for its distinctive fastback styling, premium interior quality, and composed, refined driving dynamics. Most consider it a strong value within the premium midsize segment for buyers who want something visually distinct from a conventional sedan. Some reviewers note the rear headroom trade-off inherent to the sloping roofline.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15593

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record20/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A5 Sportback at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 2Electrical System 2Power Train 1Air Bags 1Seats 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Other A5 Sportback years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15593), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi A5 Sportback 2021. Class rank 14 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure