NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi Q5 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
NHTSA awarded the 2025 Audi Q5 five overall stars, a strong indicator for crash protection and avoidance technology in this model year. Its single recall carries a clear remedy. The Q5 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band.
The 2025 Audi Q5 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi Q5 ranks 20 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi Q5?
The 2025 Audi Q5 represents a measurable step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index rose two points to 94/100 from the 2024 model's 92/100, both within the Exceptional band, but the gain is meaningful because it reflects improvement in the defect record sub-score, which contributes 18 of a possible 20 points. Crash protection is the backbone of this year's score at 66 out of 70, supported by a clean sweep of five-star ratings in overall, frontal, and side categories. Avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard equipment on this model year. The single recall, targeting seat belt pretensioners across the Q5 family, is the primary safety caution buyers should track. The complaint volume of 35 reports is notable for a vehicle this new, with Forward Collision Avoidance drawing the most unverified allegations at 19, a pattern worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the field.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi Q5 earned five out of five stars overall in NHTSA's safety ratings. This top performance extended to both frontal and side impact protection, which also received five-star ratings. The Q5's rollover resistance, while still strong, was comparatively lower at four out of five stars, indicating a 16 percent rollover risk. However, NHTSA's specific dynamic tip test for the vehicle concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20611
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2025 Audi Q5. Volkswagen Group of America recalled certain 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles for a seat belt pretensioner defect involving the driver and front passenger positions. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER26V266000
Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GT.
Reported 2026-04-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi Q5?
Owners have filed 35 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including a reported 1 crash and 2 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (19 reports), Electrical System (15), and Service Brakes (6). All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi Q5?
A critical recall for the 2025 Audi Q5 centers on its seat belt pretensioners. Any prospective owner should confirm this recall's resolution by checking the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database. An unaddressed repair to a primary restraint system component presents a direct safety risk.
- The 2025 Audi Q5 Safety Index of 94/100 is two points higher than the 2024 model year's 92/100, driven in part by a stronger defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20.
- A seat belt pretensioner recall covering the driver and front passenger positions was issued for certain 2025 Q5 and Q5 Sportback variants, and remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the most frequently cited component in the 35 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, accounting for 19 of those reports on a vehicle that is less than two years old.
- The rollover rating of four out of five stars, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic test result, is the only NHTSA crash category where this model year did not achieve a five-star score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi Q5 places
The 2025 Audi Q5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi Q5 safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi Q5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Audi Q5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Audi Q5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Audi Q5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Audi Q5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi Q5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20611), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q5 2025.
- 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 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.