NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback achieves an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100, a top-tier result. This score is supported by a flawless 5 out of 5 stars in the critical rollover resistance test. Furthermore, NHTSA records show zero recalls issued for this model year and a minimal number of owner complaints. The absence of significant gaps in its NHTSA crash-test data reinforces the RS 5 Sportback's strong safety profile within its class.
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100 and a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 100 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback?
A perfect 100/100 Safety Index places the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback in MotorCaliber's Exceptional band, a notable achievement for a low-volume performance variant. This top-tier score reflects a clean sweep across all three index components: 70 out of 70 for crash protection, 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, and a full 20 out of 20 for defect record. The defect record is particularly strong, with zero recall campaigns issued for this model year. The vehicle's crash avoidance suite, including standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, contributed the maximum points to its avoidance technology score. Crash protection is supported by a 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a 10 percent rollover risk. The Safety Desk notes that the crash protection component is derived from available data, as NHTSA did not conduct frontal or side NCAP tests for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback was not subjected to NHTSA's full battery of NCAP crash tests. No frontal, side, or overall ratings are available. The agency did assess its rollover performance, where the vehicle achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating. This score was based on a 10 percent rollover risk, with no dynamic tip event occurring during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15595
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns. No recall components are on file, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle's production run.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback?
NHTSA has received 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback. Both are categorized under Unknown Or Other components. These are unverified consumer allegations, and none of the reported incidents involve a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 RS 5 Sportback should note that no recall campaigns were on file with NHTSA at the time of this publication's scoring. However, new campaigns can be initiated at any point. Prior to purchase, it is imperative to run the specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool and confirm that any identified remedies have been completed by a franchised dealer.
- The 2021 RS 5 Sportback has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, contributing to a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score within the 100/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 RS 5 Sportback a 5-star rollover rating with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip event, the only star-rated NCAP dimension tested for this model year.
- Frontal and side NCAP crash tests were not conducted by NHTSA for this model year; the absence of those ratings is a data gap, not a safety judgment in either direction.
- Only 2 owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, both classified under Unknown Or Other components, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities among those unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback places
The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 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 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback earned 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RS 5 Sportback years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 97/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15595), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi RS 5 Sportback 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 1 of 94 in the Sedan 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.