NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi SQ5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi SQ5 scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 4 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi SQ5 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, positioning it in the Strong safety band. This represents a two-point increase from the 2019 model's 79, which placed it in the Average band. The vehicle benefits from a favorable rollover rating and the inclusion of a standard forward collision warning system. However, the absence of full NHTSA frontal and side crash-test ratings precludes a complete evaluation of its crashworthiness.
The 2020 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 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 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi SQ5 ranks 64 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 64 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi SQ5?
The 2020 Audi SQ5 represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring, moving from a 79/100 Average band in 2019 to an 81/100 Strong band in 2020. The index breakdown shows where that strength lives: crash protection contributes 56 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology adds 8.5 of 10, and the defect record component scores 16 of 20. The avoidance technology picture for this specific model year includes standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, while lane departure warning is only optional - a meaningful distinction for buyers who prioritize active safety features. NHTSA did not conduct frontal or side crash tests on this model year, which caps the crash protection sub-score and introduces genuine uncertainty about occupant protection in those impact modes. The rollover result of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the single concrete crash-test anchor for this year. The four recall campaigns, spanning tires, electrical body control, rear axle suspension, and seats, are a notable defect-record factor that prospective buyers must weigh against the otherwise Strong index band.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi SQ5 was not assigned overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings by NHTSA, leaving these dimensions unrated. The sole available rating is for rollover, where the SQ5 achieved 4 out of 5 stars. Its calculated rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip-test yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14789
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2020 Audi SQ5. Components addressed are: tires, the electrical system body control module, the rear suspension non-powered axle assembly, and front seats. None of the four campaigns carries an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but owners should verify remedy completion for all four by VIN through NHTSA's recall database.
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
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
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
SEATS20V505000
Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Reported 2020-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi SQ5?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Audi SQ5, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The top components cited in these unverified allegations are Unknown Or Other and Forward Collision Avoidance, each with three reports, followed by Vehicle Speed Control with two alleged reports.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi SQ5?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether all four recall remedies - covering tires, the body control module, rear suspension, and seats - have been completed. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers to the new owner.
- The 2020 SQ5 Safety Index rose to 81/100 Strong from the 2019 model's 79/100 Average, a year-over-year gain driven by improvements captured across the index's three sub-components.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on this specific model year, meaning four of the five standard NCAP ratings are absent - the only star rating available is 4 out of 5 for rollover.
- Four separate recall campaigns were issued covering this model year, addressing tires, the electrical body control module, the rear non-powered axle assembly, and seat hardware - a breadth of components that makes VIN-specific recall verification essential.
- Forward collision warning is standard on this model year, but lane departure warning is only optional, meaning individual vehicles on the used market may or may not carry that specific active-safety feature.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi SQ5 places
The 2020 Audi SQ5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi SQ5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi SQ5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi SQ5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2020 Audi SQ5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Audi SQ5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi SQ5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi SQ5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi SQ5. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14789), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 2020.
- 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 64 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.