MODEL
Audi S5
NHTSA safety across every Audi S5 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Audi S5 we cover (2019 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 18 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi S5 is a performance-oriented luxury coupe and sportback that slots above the A5 in Audi's lineup, targeting buyers who want a blend of everyday refinement and spirited driving in a premium German package. It competes in the upper tier of the sport luxury segment, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics and interior quality alongside practicality.
From a pure safety-data standpoint, the Audi S5 presents a notable gap in its record: NHTSA has not crash-tested this vehicle across any of the model years we cover, from 2019 through 2025. That means shoppers cannot lean on federal star ratings to benchmark its occupant protection, which is a real limitation when comparing it against rivals that carry full NHTSA scores. You are working with an incomplete picture, and that matters. What the federal data does show is a recall count of 18 across those covered years. For a six-year window on a low-volume luxury performance vehicle, 18 recalls is a figure worth noting. It suggests Audi has been actively identifying and correcting issues, but the volume also means S5 owners should stay current with recall completion status, something easily checked at NHTSA.gov using a VIN. Owner complaints total 46 across the covered years, a relatively modest number given the model's tenure. Within those complaints, NHTSA received reports of 1 crash and 5 injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but they are part of the public record and deserve acknowledgment. The bottom line is straightforward: the S5 is an appealing luxury sport vehicle, but its safety picture has real blind spots. The absence of crash-test data means buyers are making a leap of faith on structural protection. Stay on top of recalls and verify your VIN before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Audi S5 for its polished, refined driving character, upscale interior materials, and the way it balances performance with daily usability. Most consider it a strong choice for buyers who want a premium sport vehicle that does not feel harsh or compromised. Handling and build quality tend to draw consistent positive remarks across professional assessments.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the S5 in any model year from 2019 to 2025, so there are no federal star ratings available to judge occupant protection - a significant gap compared to many competitors.
- The S5 carries 18 recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Prospective buyers should run a VIN check at NHTSA.gov before purchase to confirm all open recalls have been completed by a dealership.
- Owner complaints on file with NHTSA total 46 across the covered years, with 1 reported crash and 5 reported injuries noted in those submissions. These are unverified allegations but represent real consumer concerns submitted to the federal government.
- Because crash-test data is absent, safety-conscious shoppers may want to cross-reference the S5 against IIHS ratings if available for their target model year, as that organization tests independently of NHTSA and may provide additional structural protection insight.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi S5 with 5 recalls.