NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback registers an 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it within the Strong safety band. A single active recall for seat belt pretensioners defines the immediate safety concern for this model year. The vehicle's crash protection and avoidance technology scores collectively present a confident, though not entirely unconditional, safety profile.
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback ranks 112 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 112 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback faces a notable concern with an active recall for its seat belt pretensioners, covering both driver and front passenger positions. This critical safety function, essential for immediate occupant protection during a crash, marks the single most consequential open item for the 2025 model year. Despite this, the vehicle achieves a strong Safety Index of 85 out of 100, mirroring its 2024 predecessor. This consistent performance is built on a crash protection score of 56 out of 70 and a near-perfect defect record score of 19 out of 20, even with the pretensioner recall. Its avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. NHTSA has not performed full NCAP crash testing on the 2025 SQ5 Sportback beyond rollover assessment. That test resulted in a 4-star rating with a 16 percent rollover risk.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback has not received a complete safety evaluation from NHTSA. While its rollover resistance test returned a 4 out of 5 star rating, indicating a 16 percent risk of rollover with a "No Tip" result, the agency has not published overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings for this model. This lack of comprehensive NCAP data means a full safety profile cannot yet be established.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20615
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback have any recalls?
Yes. One recall affects the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback. Volkswagen Group of America (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles for a seat belts pretensioner defect covering the driver and front passenger positions. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN immediately.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER26V266000
Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GT.
Reported 2026-04-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
Four unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the power train, forward collision avoidance system, visibility, fuel and propulsion system, steering, and vehicle speed control, each cited once. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
A crucial recall on the 2025 SQ5 Sportback's seat belt pretensioner demands attention for any prospective owner. Until it is remedied, this safety-critical restraint component could pose an unacceptable risk. It is imperative that the VIN be checked against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the completion of this repair before purchase.
- The 2025 model year carries one active NHTSA recall targeting seat belt pretensioners on the driver and front passenger positions, a safety-critical restraint component that must be verified as remedied by VIN.
- NHTSA assigned a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result for this model year, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings have not been issued.
- The Safety Index held at 85/100 for the second consecutive year, with the defect record subscore of 19 out of 20 reflecting a low-recall profile at the time of scoring, though the pretensioner campaign is a live item.
- Four unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, spanning six distinct component areas including forward collision avoidance and steering, which prospective buyers should monitor as the complaint record develops.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback places
The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20615), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 Sportback 2025.
- 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 112 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.