NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi S5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback scores 99 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A NHTSA Safety Index of 99 out of 100 places the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback in the Exceptional band, supported by a perfect defect record with zero recalls. Its crash-avoidance equipment profile is strong. However, NHTSA did not publish a complete set of crash-test results for this model year, a factor prospective buyers should consider.
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback received a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 99 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback?
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback earns an Exceptional Safety Index of 99/100, mirroring the 2019 model year's identical score. This consistent performance indicates a vehicle that carried over into 2020 with no new recall activity. Its perfect 20/20 defect record sub-score remains unchanged, driven by its zero-recall status. Crash protection also registers a perfect 70/70, supported by the single NHTSA crash test: a 5-star rollover result, with a 10 percent rollover risk. There are no overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this configuration, as NHTSA did not test the S5 Sportback in those categories. The avoidance technology sub-score of 8.5/10 reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning and electronic stability control. Lane departure warning, however, is listed as an optional feature rather than standard, which prevents a perfect 10/10 in this category. The 25 unverified complaints on file do not impact the defect record sub-score, as none allege crash, fire, injury, or death, and this metric is based on formal NHTSA recall data. The 2020 model year's zero-recall status and year-over-year consistency are its most notable safety aspects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback demonstrated a low rollover risk, earning a 5-out-of-5-star rating from NHTSA. Testing showed a 10 percent chance of rollover, with no dynamic tip event occurring. However, NHTSA did not publish ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection for this specific vehicle configuration.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14776
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, no park-outside advisory applies, and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. That clean record contributes the full 20 out of 20 points to its defect record sub-score.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback?
NHTSA has received 25 unverified consumer allegations for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (14 reports), Unknown Or Other (12), and Back Over Prevention (11). Forward Collision Avoidance accounts for 6 alleged reports and Lane Departure for 2. None allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new recall campaigns have been opened since the vehicle was built. Verify that any future remedy work is completed before purchase. Complaint reports on file are unverified and do not constitute confirmed defects.
- The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning the maximum 20/20 defect record sub-score for this model year specifically.
- NHTSA assigned a 5-star rollover rating with a 10 percent rollover risk to this configuration, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings were not conducted, so those protection levels remain untested by NHTSA.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2020 model year, which is the primary reason the avoidance-tech sub-score sits at 8.5/10 rather than a perfect 10.
- Twenty-five unverified consumer allegations are on file with NHTSA, with the Electrical System and Back Over Prevention systems drawing the most reports - none allege a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback places
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi S5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99 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 2020 Audi S5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi S5 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 2020 Audi S5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi S5 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 2020 Audi S5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi S5 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 S5 Sportback years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Audi A4 Allroad | 97/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14776), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S5 Sportback 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 3 of 105 in the Sedan 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.