MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Audi Sq5

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
18Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI SQ5

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.

VERDICT

The 2019 Audi Sq5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13714

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record14.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM21V947000

Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.

Reported 2021-12-08

STRUCTURE:BODY19V737000

Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.

Reported 2019-10-16

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V473000

Risk: A damaged frontal air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel and the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began August 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90N1.

Reported 2019-06-19

WHEELS:HUB19V416000

Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.

Reported 2019-06-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER19V277000

Risk: A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.

Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.

Reported 2019-04-08

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsService Brakes 4Engine 3Electrical System 3Exterior Lighting 3Structure 2Visibility/Wiper 2

Other Sq5 years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13714), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Sq5 2019. Class rank 63 of 93 in SUV 2019. Methodology · Disclosure