MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback

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

2Recalls
38Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK

The Audi E-Tron Sportback is a battery-electric luxury SUV with a sleek, fastback roofline that sets it apart from its boxier E-Tron sibling. Aimed squarely at premium buyers who want zero-emission driving without sacrificing refinement or road presence, it competes in one of the most demanding segments in the market, where safety expectations are as high as the price tags.

VERDICT

The 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

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 E-Tron Sportback for its polished, composed driving character and upscale cabin execution, calling it one of the more mature and livable luxury electric SUVs available. Most acknowledge that its technology and range figures trail some rivals, but they tend to view the overall package as a refined, confidence-inspiring choice for buyers prioritizing comfort and build quality.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15608

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record17/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES26V240000

Risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46P7. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V621. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov

Reported 2026-04-15

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

0reported crash
1reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 26Unknown Or Other 10Power Train 9Engine 7Service Brakes 3Structure 1

Other E-Tron Sportback years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15608), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi E-Tron Sportback 2021. Class rank 14 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure