NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi SQ5 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi SQ5 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 5 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Federal safety regulators did not conduct a full frontal or side crash-test program for the 2019 Audi SQ5, leaving gaps in its official safety profile. The model received an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This assessment is notably influenced by a crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 and five distinct recall campaigns.
The 2019 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi SQ5 ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.3% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi SQ5?
The 2019 Audi SQ5 has no prior-year Safety Index on file, arriving with a debut score of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This rating is shaped significantly by the absence of federal frontal or side crash testing for this vehicle, leaving its 56 out of 70 crash protection score reliant on partial data. Avoidance technology contributes a strong 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is an optional feature. The defect record registers 14.5 out of 20, reflecting the impact of five recall campaigns issued between 2019 and 2021. Noteworthy among these are recalls addressing a casting defect in the brake master cylinder and an issue with the passenger air bag inflator, both critical safety components. These recalls, particularly the brake system concern, temper the overall Safety Index, preventing a higher composite score despite the strong showing in avoidance technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi SQ5 was not fully evaluated by NHTSA, with no star ratings published for frontal or side impact. Its rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover in the simulated test. The dynamic tip-test result for the 2019 SQ5 was "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13714
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2019 Audi SQ5. Components involved include the body control module, rear wheel arch cover structure, passenger-side frontal air bag inflator module, wheel hub area trim, and the brake master cylinder casting. The brake master cylinder recall is the most operationally critical, as a flawed casting could affect braking performance. Shoppers should verify remedy completion for all five campaigns by VIN before purchase.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi SQ5?
Eighteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Audi SQ5, including one alleged crash. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Service Brakes with 4 reports, Engine with 3, Electrical System with 3, and Exterior Lighting with 3. These are consumer allegations only and have not been independently verified.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi SQ5?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. All five recall campaigns, including the brake master cylinder and air bag inflator, must be confirmed as remedied. An unresolved recall on safety-critical components is a material concern regardless of vehicle condition.
- Five recall campaigns were issued specifically covering 2019 SQ5 production, with the brake master cylinder casting defect and the passenger-side frontal air bag inflator module among the most safety-critical components named.
- NHTSA did not assign frontal or side crash-test star ratings to the 2019 SQ5, meaning the only starred crash figure available is the 4-out-of-5 rollover rating with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, but lane departure warning was optional rather than standard on this model year, a distinction that affects active-safety coverage.
- Eighteen unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include one alleged crash, with Service Brakes appearing as the single most-reported component category, which aligns with the brake master cylinder recall campaign issued in April 2019.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi SQ5 places
The 2019 Audi SQ5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi SQ5 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi SQ5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi SQ5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi SQ5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi SQ5 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 2019 Audi SQ5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi SQ5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi SQ5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi SQ5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other SQ5 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13714), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 2019.
- 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 63 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- 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.