NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback earns an overall 5 out of 5 stars for crash protection from NHTSA, anchoring its Exceptional 94/100 NHTSA Safety Index score. This rating is further supported by a full score in avoidance technology. Prospective buyers should note there is one active recall requiring attention prior to purchase.
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback ranks 21 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 21 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback?
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback posts a Safety Index of 94 out of 100, a one-point slip from the 2024 model year's 95, yet both years sit firmly in the Exceptional band. The small decline traces to the defect record component, which scores 18 out of 20 this year, reflecting the single seat belt pretensioner recall that spans the Q5 and SQ5 Sportback lineup. Crash protection remains a genuine strength, contributing 66 of a possible 70 points, supported by a clean sweep of 5-star frontal and side ratings and a 5-star overall. Rollover holds at 4 stars with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, a consistent pattern that keeps the overall score from a perfect run. Avoidance technology earns the full 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The complaint picture adds nuance: 35 reported allegations cluster heavily around Forward Collision Avoidance (19 reports) and the Electrical System (15), components worth monitoring as the model year ages. The pretensioner recall is the defining defect story for this specific year and should be the first item any prospective buyer resolves.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback earns a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching 5-star frontal and 5-star side impact scores. The rollover test results in a 4-star rating, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic assessment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20614
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback. Volkswagen Group of America (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles for a seat belt pretensioner defect affecting the driver and front passenger positions. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER26V266000
Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GT.
Reported 2026-04-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback?
Owners have filed 35 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents of 1 crash and 2 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (19 reports), Electrical System (15), and Service Brakes (6). All are unverified consumer claims, not established facts.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback?
A crucial pre-purchase check for any 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback is to verify the status of its seat belt pretensioner recall. This recall, impacting a safety-critical restraint component, necessitates a VIN lookup through NHTSA's tool to confirm the remedy has been applied.
- The 2025 model year carries one active NHTSA recall targeting the seat belt pretensioner on the driver and front passenger positions, a restraint-system defect that directly affects occupant protection in a crash.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from 95 in 2024 to 94 in 2025, with the defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 reflecting that recall campaign as the specific driver of the change.
- Of the 35 unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA, 19 involve Forward Collision Avoidance, making it the single most reported concern for this model year and a component worth scrutinizing during any pre-purchase inspection.
- Rollover protection scores 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, the only crash-test category that falls short of the otherwise all-5-star frontal and side performance.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback places
The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi Q5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20614), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 Sportback 2025.
- 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 21 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.