NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi S5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback earns an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100. This perfect score reflects the vehicle's unblemished record in federal safety assessments. There are zero recalls for this model year, indicating a robust design with no reported defects requiring manufacturer correction. A comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies further contributes to its strong safety profile, as evidenced by the published federal data.
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback received a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback ranks 2 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 | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback?
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback reaches the ceiling of the NHTSA Safety Index at 100 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2020 model year's 99 out of 100. That incremental climb matters because it reflects a perfect defect record score of 20 out of 20, earned by carrying zero recall campaigns into this model year. The crash protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 and the avoidance technology sub-score of 10 out of 10 are each maxed out, the latter supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. The one area where federal data leaves a gap is NHTSA full crash-test coverage. Overall, frontal, and side star ratings were not conducted for this vehicle. The rollover category, which was tested, produced a 5-star result with a 10 percent rollover risk figure. That single tested category is a meaningful data point, but shoppers should understand that the absence of frontal and side ratings is a gap in the public record, not a signal of either strength or weakness in those areas. The lone owner complaint, an unverified suspension allegation, does not alter the defect record score and remains an isolated, unconfirmed report in the NHTSA system.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's rollover test, with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip result recorded. No overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings were assigned to this model year. The absence of frontal and side ratings indicates these protection levels remain untested by the agency.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15594
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database to confirm no new campaigns have been opened.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback. That single unverified allegation involves the suspension system. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the complaint record. These are unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback?
For anyone considering this 5-year-old vehicle on the used market, the zero-recall record is a clean starting point. Still, run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase to confirm no new campaigns have been filed since the vehicle was built. Verify that any recall remedy, if one emerges, has been completed by the selling party.
- The 2021 model year scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, one point higher than the 2020 model year's 99 out of 100, driven by a perfect 20 out of 20 defect record reflecting zero active recall campaigns.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback. The rollover category is the only tested result, producing a 5-star rating with a 10 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, contributing to a full 10 out of 10 avoidance technology sub-score.
- Only one owner complaint exists in the NHTSA database for this model year. It is an unverified allegation targeting the suspension system, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths associated with it.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback places
The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi S5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi S5 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 S5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi S5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Audi S5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 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 15594), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S5 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 2 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.