MODEL
Audi Sq5
NHTSA safety across every Audi Sq5 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Audi Sq5 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 79. 17 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi SQ5 is a performance-tuned compact luxury SUV that slots above the standard Q5 in Audi's lineup, targeting buyers who want spirited driving dynamics alongside upscale interior refinement. It competes in a crowded segment against rivals like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. From the 2019 through 2025 model years, MotorCaliber tracks its safety record using real federal NHTSA data.
The Audi SQ5 presents a mixed but manageable safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover. Its best NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 out of 100 arrived in the 2023 model year, a result that lands in the Strong band and represents the high-water mark for this generation. However, shoppers should note that safety index bands across covered years have ranged between Strong and Average, meaning not every model year performs equally well. Rollover resistance earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars in the best-tested year, a reasonable result for a taller, performance-oriented SUV. Frontal and side crash-test ratings are listed as not rated for the best year on record, which limits the depth of the crash-test picture and is a genuine gap worth acknowledging. The recall count of 17 across covered years is notable for a relatively low-volume luxury model and deserves attention. Shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle using NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. On the complaint side, 45 owner complaints have been filed, including one reported crash and five reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the injury figure warrants awareness. Overall, the SQ5 is not a safety outlier in its segment, but its recall volume and incomplete crash-test data mean due diligence is essential.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the SQ5 for its engaging driving character, strong engine performance, and well-crafted interior that feels appropriately premium for the price. Most consider it one of the more rewarding options in the compact luxury SUV segment. Criticisms tend to center on a firm ride quality and a technology interface that carries a learning curve for new owners.
- The SQ5 earned its best NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 out of 100 in the 2023 model year, but scores across the 2019 to 2025 range have fluctuated between the Strong and Average bands, so year-to-year variation matters when shopping used.
- Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as not rated in the best-tested year on record, leaving meaningful gaps in the formal crash-test picture that buyers relying on star ratings alone should factor in.
- Seventeen recalls have been issued across the covered model years, a high count for a niche luxury SUV. Always run a VIN check through NHTSA's free lookup tool to confirm whether any recalls remain open on a specific vehicle.
- Forty-five owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA across covered years, including one reported crash and five reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but reviewing the complaint database for patterns relevant to your target model year is a worthwhile step before buying.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi Sq5 with 5 recalls.