NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback earns an Exceptional rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. This score reflects its strong performance in NHTSA crash testing and its comprehensive suite of active avoidance technology. This robust showing is tempered only slightly by the presence of two active recall campaigns and a modest volume of owner complaints.
The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback ranks 39 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 39 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback?
The 2023 Q5 Sportback garners a Safety Index score of 90, placing it in the Exceptional band, a marginal decrease from the 2022 model's 91. This decline is attributed to a defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20, reflecting two recall campaigns. The vehicle achieved 66 out of 70 for crash protection and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard. Of 30 total owner complaints, 9 specifically concern the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a point of concern given its contribution to the perfect avoidance-tech score. An engine-related recall, issued in May 2025 and affecting multiple model years, remains an active safety consideration for 2023 Q5 Sportback owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback earns a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top marks in both frontal and side impact crash tests, each achieving 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk. In dynamic testing, the Q5 Sportback did not tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18531
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Q5 Sportback. The first, issued in October 2022, targets internal engine hard parts across certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback and related Volkswagen models. The second, issued in May 2025, addresses a cylinder head cover defect on certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback?
Thirty complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Q5 Sportback, including alleged incidents involving 4 crashes and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Forward Collision Avoidance with 9 reports, Electrical System with 8, and Engine with 6.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback?
A significant concern for the 2023 Q5 Sportback is the engine recall issued in May 2025. Any prospective owner should confirm, in writing, that this and any other open campaigns have been remedied before purchase. Due to its recency, this recall may not yet be closed for all units.
- The 2023 Q5 Sportback's Safety Index of 90/100 is one point lower than the 2022 model's 91/100, a shift driven by the defect record sub-score of 14.25/20 tied to two recall campaigns rather than any change in crash-test outcomes.
- A May 2025 recall covering the cylinder head cover on certain 2022-2024 Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles is recent enough that many 2023 units on the used market may not yet have received the remedy.
- Thirty unverified complaints include 9 allegations specifically targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system, an unusually concentrated pattern for a component category that otherwise earns a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk figure is the only NHTSA crash-test category below the top score for this model year, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback places
The 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q5 Sportback years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18531), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 Sportback 2023.
- 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 39 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.