MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Audi Q5

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Audi Q5

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

6Recalls
22Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI Q5

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.

VERDICT

The 2020 Audi Q5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong 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 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14788

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record10.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD23V842000

Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's num

Reported 2023-12-13

TIRES22V034000

Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Reported 2022-01-26

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

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000

Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Reported 2021-04-26

SEATS20V505000

Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Reported 2020-08-26

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

3reported crash
1reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 6Unknown Or Other 5Engine 4Forward Collision Avoidance 3Vehicle Speed Control 2Seat Belts 2

Other Q5 years

Rivals in SUV (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14788), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Q5 2020. Class rank 46 of 107 in SUV 2020. Methodology · Disclosure