MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Audi Q5 Sportback

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

2Recalls
30Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK

The Audi Q5 Sportback is a sleek, coupe-styled compact luxury SUV targeting buyers who want premium German engineering with a sportier silhouette than the standard Q5. Sitting in one of the most competitive segments in the US market, it competes against rivals like the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, and appeals to style-conscious drivers who refuse to trade safety for aesthetics.

VERDICT

The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

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

Reviewers generally regard the Q5 Sportback as one of the more polished and well-rounded entries in the compact luxury SUV coupe segment, praising its interior refinement, driving dynamics, and upscale feel. Most note that the sloping roofline trades some practicality for style, and that the premium price demands careful cross-shopping against strong segment rivals.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18531

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

ENGINE25V294000

Risk: The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.

Reported 2025-05-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL22V753000

Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

Reported 2022-10-07

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

4reported crash
1reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 9Electrical System 8Unknown Or Other 6Engine 6Service Brakes 3Power Train 3

Other Q5 Sportback years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18531), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Q5 Sportback 2023. Class rank 40 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure