NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback has no full NHTSA crash-test ratings, leaving key protection questions unaddressed. Despite this data gap, the model achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by a clean recall record and a perfect score for its avoidance technology.
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback received a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, with zero recall campaigns on file per NHTSA records.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback ranks 45 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.3% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback achieved a 4 out of 5 star rating in its rollover test, with a 16 percent rollover risk. This result is the only completed crash test by NHTSA for the model year, leaving overall, frontal, and side impact ratings unavailable. Despite this limited crash-test data, the SQ5 Sportback earns a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is bolstered by a perfect recall record, reflected in a defect-record sub-score of 19.75 out of 20. Furthermore, its crash-avoidance technology sub-score is a full 10 out of 10, indicating that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features. The crash-protection sub-score stands at 56 out of 70, primarily due to the incomplete testing. There are 11 unverified owner complaints on file, none alleging crashes or fires, with electrical and powertrain concerns noted. No year-over-year Safety Index comparison is available for this model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback lacks comprehensive crash-test data from NHTSA's NCAP program. No ratings are available for overall, frontal, or side protection. The only completed test, rollover resistance, earned a 4-out-of-5-star rating, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. This leaves critical aspects of occupant protection unassessed by federal standards.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16007
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback have any recalls?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. That absence contributed directly to the vehicle's near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.75 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
NHTSA has received 11 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System (4 alleged), Power Train (3 alleged), and Engine (3 alleged). One allegation involves an injury. These are consumer-submitted reports, not confirmed defects.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
Recall status, not complaint volume, is the most actionable safety checkpoint at the point of sale. Shoppers considering this five-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have opened since this data was compiled. Verify that any remedy work was completed before purchase.
- Zero recalls: the 2021 SQ5 Sportback has no NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a result that directly produced a near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.75 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA rated only rollover (4 out of 5 stars, 16 percent risk) for this model year. Overall, frontal, and side star ratings were never issued, which is why the crash-protection sub-score has room below its 70-point ceiling.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this 2021 variant, earning a full 10 out of 10 on that sub-score.
- Eleven unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with electrical system and powertrain components appearing most often. One alleged injury is included. These are unconfirmed consumer allegations and should be weighed accordingly, not treated as established defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback places
The 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 Sportback years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16007), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 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 45 of 118 in the SUV 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.