NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi Q5 scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 47 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi Q5 achieved a strong performance in federal crash testing, yet its safety profile is notably impacted by a higher than average recall count. It earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100. Five recalls have been issued. These issues, while documented, somewhat temper an otherwise excellent crash-test record. This vehicle remains well-protected, but prospective owners should verify recall compliance.
The 2019 Audi Q5 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi Q5 ranks 20 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 47 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi Q5?
The 2019 Audi Q5 earns a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is heavily influenced by the vehicle's five recall campaigns for the 2019 model year, which limited the defect record sub-score to 11 out of 20. Two recalls in particular warrant close attention: a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator recall and a brake master cylinder casting recall, both issued early in the model year. The airbag inflator defect presents clear occupant safety implications in a crash, while the brake master cylinder issue raises concerns about stopping distances. Despite these recall-related issues, the Q5 demonstrates strong crash protection, scoring 66 out of 70 in that sub-category, reflecting near-perfect NHTSA star ratings. Its avoidance technology sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 is supported by standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, lane departure warning is only an optional feature for this model year. The Q5 also accumulated 47 unverified owner complaints, with steering and electrical system issues frequently cited.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi Q5 achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in impact protection. Its frontal and side crash tests each earned 5 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover assessment, however, presents a relative weakness, scoring 4 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent, despite a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13713
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2019 Q5. Components involved include the body control module, rear wheel arch cover structure, passenger-side frontal air bag inflator module, wheel hub and arch cover trim, and the brake master cylinder casting. The brake master cylinder and air bag inflator campaigns are the most safety-critical and should be verified as remedied by VIN before any purchase.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM21V947000
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Reported 2021-12-08
STRUCTURE:BODY19V737000
Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Reported 2019-10-16
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V473000
Risk: A damaged frontal air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel and the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began August 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90N1.
Reported 2019-06-19
WHEELS:HUB19V416000
Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Reported 2019-06-05
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER19V277000
Risk: A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Reported 2019-04-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has logged 47 unverified owner complaints against the 2019 Q5. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (11 reports), Engine (8), and Steering (7), with additional unverified allegations involving Seat Belts and Power Train. These are consumer-reported allegations, not established defects.
47 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi Q5?
For the 2019 Q5, five recall campaigns have been issued, two of which address critical safety concerns: the air bag inflator and the brake master cylinder. Shoppers of this model year should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all outstanding recall remedies have been completed. Failure to address these specific issues presents a direct safety risk to vehicle occupants.
- The 2019 Q5 carries a brake master cylinder casting recall affecting 2018-2019 models, meaning the stopping system integrity was a documented concern specific to this generation and model year.
- A passenger-side frontal air bag inflator module recall was issued for 2019 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles, making verification of remedy completion by VIN a critical step for any used-market buyer.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, so individual vehicles may or may not be equipped with it, and buyers should confirm fitment on any specific unit.
- The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the lowest-scoring component in the 2019 Q5's Safety Index breakdown, driven by five active recall campaigns that collectively span the electrical system, structure, air bags, wheels, and brakes.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi Q5 places
The 2019 Audi Q5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi Q5 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi Q5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi Q5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi Q5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi Q5 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 2019 Audi Q5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi Q5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 47 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi Q5. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13713), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 2019.
- 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 20 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- 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.