NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q5 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi Q5 arrives with an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it squarely in our Strong band. This assessment is built upon an exceptional suite of NHTSA crash-test results; however, the presence of eight recall campaigns and a modest defect sub-score introduce notable caveats to its safety profile.
The 2021 Audi Q5 SUV AWD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi Q5 ranks 41 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi Q5?
The 2021 Audi Q5 represents a two-point Safety Index gain over the 2020 model, moving from 85 to 87 out of 100, while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is supported by an outstanding crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. Where this specific model year loses ground is in its defect record, which scores 10.5 out of a possible 20. Eight recall campaigns, spanning concerns as varied as high-voltage battery electrical systems, internal engine hard parts, a back-over prevention display failure, and tire issues, are the primary driver of that sub-score. The electrical system also dominates the complaint picture, accounting for 25 of 69 reported allegations. The engine-related recall and the 17 engine complaints reported to NHTSA suggest a pattern worth scrutinizing. Taken together, the 2021 model year is defined by strong crash-test fundamentals held back by an active and diverse recall footprint that any prospective owner must address directly.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q5 SUV AWD secured a five star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal and side protection categories also earned five stars. Rollover resistance proved to be a relative area of concern, receiving four out of five stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15897
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented components include the high-voltage traction battery electrical system, an onboard EV charging cable, internal engine hard parts, a back-over prevention display function, and tires. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is identified in the supplied data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V080000
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed fr
Reported 2025-02-12
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL22V753000
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Reported 2022-10-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
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
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi Q5?
Sixty-nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged reports of two crashes and two injuries. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System with 25 reports, the Engine with 17, Forward Collision Avoidance with 10, and Power Train with 10. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi Q5?
Eight recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 Q5. A used-market buyer should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase to confirm which campaigns remain open and whether the remedy has been completed at an authorized dealer. An uncompleted recall transfers with the vehicle.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 87/100 is two points higher than the 2020 model year score of 85/100, a measurable year-over-year improvement within the same Strong band.
- Eight distinct recall campaigns affect this model year, covering components as varied as the high-voltage traction battery, internal engine hard parts, the back-over prevention display, and tires, making VIN-level recall verification essential.
- The defect-record sub-score of 10.5 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 2021 Q5's Safety Index, contrasting sharply with its near-perfect crash-protection and avoidance-technology scores.
- Sixty-nine unverified owner complaints include 25 alleged Electrical System issues and 10 alleged Forward Collision Avoidance concerns, the latter being notable given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi Q5 places
The 2021 Audi Q5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi Q5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi Q5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi Q5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2021 Audi Q5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi Q5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi Q5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi Q5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15897), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 2021.
- 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 41 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.