MODEL
Audi Q5
NHTSA safety across every Audi Q5 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Audi Q5 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 85. 33 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury SUV that has anchored Audi's lineup for well over a decade, targeting buyers who want a premium daily driver with genuine refinement. Slotting between entry-level crossovers and larger three-row haulers, the Q5 competes in one of the most contested segments in the market, appealing to professionals and families alike who expect both comfort and credibility.
At MotorCaliber, we look at the Q5 through one lens: how safe is it? The picture that emerges across the 2019 to 2025 model years is largely encouraging, though not without caveats worth taking seriously before you sign. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded is a 94 out of 100 for the 2025 model year, placing it in the Exceptional band, and crash-test results at their peak show a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact categories, with a solid 4 out of 5 in rollover protection. That rollover score is typical for a compact SUV with a higher center of gravity, and shoppers should understand it is a segment-wide pattern rather than a specific Q5 weakness. Where the data demands more attention is on the recall side. Across the 2019 to 2025 coverage window, the Q5 has accumulated 33 recalls, a number that is elevated and worth tracking closely through the NHTSA recall database using your VIN. Owner complaints total 222, with 15 alleged crashes, 2 fire-related reports, and 16 reported injuries noted as unverified allegations. No deaths are reported in this dataset. The honest bottom line: the Q5 earns its strong crash-test marks, but the recall volume means prospective buyers must do their homework and confirm any open recalls are resolved before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Q5 as one of the more polished and well-rounded entries in the compact luxury SUV segment, praising its composed driving character, upscale interior execution, and broad feature set. Most professional assessments position it as a benchmark-level choice for buyers prioritizing refinement, though opinions on value relative to rivals tend to vary.
- The 2025 Q5 earns a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, landing in the Exceptional band, making it one of the stronger performers in its segment for that model year.
- Peak crash-test results show 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact testing, but the rollover rating of 4 out of 5 is consistent with the raised ride height common to compact SUVs.
- With 33 recalls spanning the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Q5 carries a notably high recall count. Always run a VIN check on the NHTSA website before buying to confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- Owner-reported complaints include 15 alleged crashes and 16 reported injuries across the covered years. These are unverified allegations in the NHTSA system, but they are worth reviewing in detail to understand which model years or systems are most frequently cited.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi Q5 with 8 recalls.