NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi Q5 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi Q5 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects excellent NHTSA crash-test performance and standard forward collision warning. However, the model's defect record tempers the composite score. On balance, the Q5 is a well-protected vehicle by federal safety measures.
The 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi Q5 ranks 45 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi Q5?
Six recall campaigns mark the 2020 Audi Q5, spanning the electrical system, tires, rear suspension, and seats. This record, particularly the broad body control module recall citing liquid intrusion across 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles, notably lowers the defect record sub-score to 10.75 out of 20. Overall, the 2020 Q5 earns a Safety Index of 85 out of 100, a single point below the 2019 model year's 86. Crash protection remains a strength, with a score of 66 out of 70. This is supported by NHTSA's 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash ratings. Its avoidance technology score is 8.5 out of 10. Forward collision warning is standard, but lane departure warning is optional, which affects its standing in this category against vehicles that include both as standard. Owner complaints total 22, a modest volume, though three unverified Forward Collision Avoidance complaints bear watching given that system's standard inclusion. The slight decline in the Safety Index from the prior year reflects the increased recall activity for the 2020 model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. This included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance, however, presents a relative weak point, rated at 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk, despite a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14788
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include the electrical system and body control module, where a liquid intrusion concern was cited across 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles; tires; rear suspension axle assembly; and seats, the seat recall originating from a Volkswagen Group campaign. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has logged 22 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Q5. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 6 reported issues, Unknown Or Other with 5, and the Engine with 4. Owners have also filed 3 unverified allegations each related to crashes and Forward Collision Avoidance. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi Q5?
Six recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 Audi Q5, underscoring the necessity of a thorough VIN check for any prospective buyer. Remedy completion is not guaranteed on a vehicle that has changed hands, so buyers must confirm in writing which campaigns have been closed at an authorized Audi dealer.
- The 2020 Q5 Safety Index of 85 out of 100 is one point lower than the 2019 model year's 86, with the defect record sub-score of 10.75 out of 20 being the primary driver of that year-over-year decline.
- Six recall campaigns are on record for this model year, with the body control module recall covering a wide range of 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles citing a liquid intrusion concern in the electrical system.
- NHTSA awarded perfect 5-star frontal and side crash ratings, but rollover protection scored 4 out of 5 stars with a measured 16 percent rollover risk, making it the lowest-rated crash dimension for this specific year.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2020 Q5, while forward collision warning is standard equipment, a configuration that affects the avoidance technology portion of the Safety Index score for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi Q5 places
The 2020 Audi Q5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi Q5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi Q5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi Q5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2020 Audi Q5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Audi Q5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi Q5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi Q5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi Q5. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14788), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 2020.
- 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 45 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.