NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi SQ5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi SQ5 scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 5 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi SQ5 earned a "Strong" rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 81 out of 100. This is supported by its perfect 10 out of 10 score for crash avoidance technology and a favorable rollover resistance result, adding confidence in its structural integrity. Five recalls were issued for this model year, which warrant review prior to consideration.
The 2021 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi SQ5 ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.3% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi SQ5?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 recorded five recall campaigns, a notable increase over prior model years. These campaigns address diverse safety systems. A recall for the body control module stands out, as liquid contamination could affect multiple vehicle functions in 2021-2022 Q5 and SQ5 models. Further recalls for the rear suspension axle assembly and rear seat belt retractors broaden the defect record. This recall activity contributes to a score of 14.75 out of 20 points in the Safety Index's defect category. Crash avoidance technology for the 2021 SQ5 achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 points. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection accounts for 56 of 70 possible points. This is largely determined by a 4 out of 5 star rollover rating; NHTSA did not publish frontal or side crash test ratings for this vehicle. The 2021 SQ5 maintains a Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong safety band, identical to the 2020 model. While its overall safety profile is solid, the recall record requires careful attention from prospective owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 earned a 4 out of 5 star rating for rollover protection, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. However, NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this model year. Therefore, no assessment can be made of these crucial safety dimensions.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15611
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Yes. Five recall campaigns cover the 2021 SQ5. Components addressed include the back-over prevention display, tires, the body control module (a liquid contamination concern), rear seat belt retractors, and the rear suspension axle assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
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
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi SQ5?
Eleven owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2021 SQ5. These are unverified consumer allegations only. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (4 reports), Power Train (3), and Engine (3), with one injury alleged across the full complaint set.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi SQ5?
For the 2021 SQ5, five recalls have been issued, including campaigns addressing the body control module and rear suspension. Buyers of any used 2021 SQ5 should use the VIN to confirm with NHTSA's recall lookup tool that all necessary recall remedies have been completed. Unresolved recall work on a vehicle of this age remains the buyer's responsibility to verify prior to purchase.
- The 2021 SQ5 carries five NHTSA recall campaigns, covering the body control module, rear suspension axle assembly, rear seat belt retractors, tires, and back-over prevention display, a broader recall footprint than many competitors in this segment for the same model year.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on the 2021 SQ5; the only star rating available is 4 out of 5 stars for rollover, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The Safety Index of 81/100 is flat versus the 2020 model year's identical 81/100, meaning no measurable safety improvement or decline occurred between these two consecutive years.
- Eleven unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA concentrate heavily in the Electrical System and Power Train categories, which aligns thematically with the body control module recall issued for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi SQ5 places
The 2021 Audi SQ5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi SQ5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi SQ5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Audi SQ5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi SQ5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi SQ5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15611), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 2021.
- 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 72 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.