NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi Q5 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Five active recall campaigns temper an otherwise impressive crash-test performance for the 2023 Audi Q5. It achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, though this marks a notable drop from the prior year's score of 92. The Q5 presents as a capable safety performer, but its defect record introduces significant caveats.
The 2023 Audi Q5 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi Q5 ranks 62 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 | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi Q5?
The 2023 Q5's defect record is the defining safety story for this model year. Five recall campaigns and 30 owner complaints bring its NHTSA Safety Index score to 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a five-point decline from the 2022 Q5's Exceptional score of 92. Two recalls address the high-voltage traction battery in PHEV variants. A third recall targets the engine's cylinder head cover. Another campaign involves the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, and a fifth concerns the onboard charging cable. This concentration of electrical-system and propulsion-system recalls directly impacts the defect-record sub-score, which stands at 11.25 out of 20. Owner complaints also allege issues with Forward Collision Avoidance and the Electrical System. Despite these concerns, the Q5's structural and electronic safety architecture remains competitive. Its crash-protection sub-score is 66 out of 70, and its avoidance-tech score is a perfect 10 out of 10.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Q5 secured an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side impact performance each earned 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting a 16 percent risk. Notably, dynamic tip testing concluded with a "No Tip" result, a positive indicator within that rollover assessment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18528
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components flagged include the cylinder head cover area of the engine, the high-voltage traction battery across two separate campaigns affecting PHEV variants, the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, and the onboard charging cable. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE25V294000
Risk: The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.
Reported 2025-05-07
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:TRACTION BATTERY24V898000
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025. 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 th
Reported 2024-11-27
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V251000
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
Reported 2024-04-03
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi Q5?
Owners have filed 30 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem components are Forward Collision Avoidance with 9 reports, Electrical System with 8, and Engine and Unknown Or Other each with 6. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi Q5?
Five recall campaigns affect the 2023 Q5, a notably high number for a vehicle in its first model year. Potential purchasers should verify the completion of all recall remedies for any specific VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool. This is particularly critical for PHEV models, which are subject to two distinct traction-battery recalls.
- The 2023 Q5 Safety Index of 87/100 is five points lower than the 2022 model's 92/100, a decline driven entirely by the defect-record sub-score of 11.25 out of 20 tied to five active recall campaigns.
- Two distinct recall campaigns specifically target the high-voltage traction battery in PHEV variants of the 2023 Q5, making battery-recall remedy verification especially important for buyers of the plug-in hybrid version.
- A separate 2024-dated recall covers the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system for certain 2023 Q5 Sportback units, a safety-critical component that affects whether the passenger air bag deploys correctly.
- Owners have filed 9 unverified complaints alleging problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the single most reported component, which is notable given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi Q5 places
The 2023 Audi Q5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi Q5 safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi Q5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Audi Q5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Audi Q5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Audi Q5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi Q5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18528), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 2023.
- 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 62 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.