NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Audi S5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 98 out of 100. This strong performance is supported by a minimal federal recall record of one incident and a small volume of owner complaints. For consumers prioritizing federal safety data, this model year presents a compelling option.
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback received a 5-out-of-5-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback ranks 11 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 11 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback?
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback lands at 98/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a two-point slip from the 2022 model year's perfect 100/100, yet it remains firmly in the Exceptional band. The small retreat is traceable to the defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of a possible 20, pulled down by the single recall involving the front passenger occupant classification sensor, a component directly tied to air bag deployment decisions. The crash protection sub-score holds at a full 70/70, and the avoidance tech sub-score is a clean 10/10, reflecting standard equipment across forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on this year, so those dimensions cannot be scored from star ratings. The rollover category is the exception, delivering a 5-star result and a 10 percent risk figure alongside a No Tip outcome in dynamic testing. The complaint file is thin at three reported allegations, though the alleged injury count of four across those three reports warrants attention from prospective used-market buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback earns a 5 out of 5 star rating for rollover protection from NHTSA. This result includes a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip designation in dynamic testing. NHTSA did not assign ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18507
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback carries one recall campaign covering the front passenger occupant classification sensor inside the air bag system. Volkswagen Group of America issued this campaign affecting multiple Audi models including this Sportback. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback?
Three unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with reported components spanning Tires, Air Bags, and the Fuel/Propulsion System. Alleged incidents include one crash and four injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback?
A notable open recall for the occupant classification sensor, a critical component of the air bag system, has been issued for this model year. Prospective owners should verify, in writing, that this recall has been remedied through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. This is a meaningful safety item requiring resolution before purchase.
- The 2023 model year scores 98/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, two points below the 2022 model year's perfect 100, with the gap driven entirely by a single recall in the defect record sub-score.
- NHTSA issued one recall for this year covering the front passenger occupant classification sensor, a system that governs air bag suppression or deployment for the front passenger seat.
- NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to this model year; the only tested crash category is rollover, which earned the maximum 5 out of 5 stars with a 10 percent risk figure.
- Three unverified NHTSA complaints reference Tires, Air Bags, and the Fuel/Propulsion System, with alleged injuries reported across those filings; buyers should review the full complaint text in the NHTSA database.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback places
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Audi S5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 2023 Audi S5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Audi S5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback. 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 S5 Sportback years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18507), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S5 Sportback 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 11 of 92 in the Sedan 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.