NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback earns an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100. This is supported by a flawless 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA crash rating and a complete absence of recalls. The model also received full marks for its crash avoidance technology, indicating robust engineering for occupant protection and accident prevention.
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- 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 | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback earns an exceptional 95/100 Safety Index, notably achieving this without any federal recall campaigns impacting its defect record. The absence of recalls contributes 18.5 out of a possible 20 points to the defect record sub-score. Crash protection scores 66 of 70 points, grounded in the NHTSA's five-star ratings across overall, frontal, and side impact tests. The sole departure from a perfect crash-test suite is the four-star rollover rating, which indicates a 16 percent rollover risk. This specific result prevents the crash protection sub-score from reaching its maximum. Avoidance technology achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, attributed to standard features including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparative analysis. While 69 owner complaints are on file, these remain unverified allegations; the two reported crashes and two reported injuries within this dataset have not been confirmed as defect-related by NHTSA.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback earns five out of five stars in every crash-test category save one. Frontal and side impact protection both rated five stars. The rollover resistance assessment is an outlier, at four out of five stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16006
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after this data was compiled.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?
NHTSA has logged 69 unverified consumer complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (25 reports), Engine (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), and Power Train (10). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?
Purchasers of used vehicles should always verify recall completion through NHTSA's VIN search tool, as new campaigns can be initiated at any time.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback, contributing directly to its near-perfect 18.5/20 defect record sub-score within the 95/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA's rollover test gave this model year four out of five stars with a 16 percent rollover risk, the only crash-test category where the vehicle did not achieve a top rating.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning a full 10/10 avoidance tech sub-score.
- NHTSA has received 69 unverified consumer complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (25 alleged reports) and Engine (17 alleged reports) accounting for the largest share of the allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback places
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi Q5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi Q5 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 Q5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 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 Q5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 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 Q5 Sportback years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2021 Buick Envision | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16006), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 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 5 of 118 in the SUV 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.