NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Audi SQ5 Safety Ratings
The 2022 Audi SQ5 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 2 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Audi SQ5 presents a mixed safety profile, achieving a "Strong" rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100. Its advanced avoidance technology suite received a perfect score, and owners filed no complaints with NHTSA. However, NHTSA did not perform full frontal or side crash tests for this model year. This absence of critical crash-test data limits a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's occupant protection in those scenarios.
The 2022 Audi SQ5 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Audi SQ5 ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.3% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Audi SQ5?
The 2022 Audi SQ5 marks a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising three points to 84/100 from the 2021 model's 81/100, both within the Strong band but the 2022 sitting noticeably higher within it. The gain is anchored by a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10/10, reflecting standard equipment across forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year specifically. The defect record component contributes 18 out of 20 points, a figure shaped by the two recall campaigns unique to this year: one addressing a body control module electrical concern spanning a broad range of Q5-family vehicles and one narrow tailgate structural issue on a single 2022 SQ5 Sportback. The crash protection sub-score of 56/70 is constrained by the absence of NHTSA frontal and side ratings, meaning the 4-star rollover result is the only direct crash-test data point available for this year. The zero-complaint figure is distinctive for a four-year-old vehicle and contributes to the index's strength, though shoppers should treat that absence as a data point rather than a guarantee.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Audi SQ5 was not subjected to full crash testing by NHTSA. No overall, frontal, or side impact star ratings are available for this model year. The absence of these ratings indicates a gap in testing, not an assessment of safety performance. In the single evaluated dimension, rollover, the SQ5 earned 4 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on a 16 percent rollover risk and a dynamic tip result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16573
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2022 Audi SQ5. The first targets the electrical system body control module, flagging a liquid-related concern across 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles including Sportback variants. The second is a structure and body tailgate recall affecting one specific 2022 SQ5 Sportback unit involving metal sheet connection integrity. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE22V567000
Risk: An improperly connected rear lid may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: A dealer will replace the rear lid, free of charge. The owner notification letter is expected to be mailed September 30, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 55M6.
Reported 2022-08-03
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Audi SQ5?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2022 Audi SQ5. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations have been reported, and no top components have been flagged. While this is a notably clean record, it reflects the absence of unverified consumer allegations rather than a verified safety certification.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Audi SQ5?
The 2022 Audi SQ5 presents a mixed safety profile, particularly with two open recalls that purchasers must address. Both the body control module electrical campaign and the tailgate structural campaign require verification of completion for any specific vehicle through NHTSA's VIN lookup. This transfer of responsibility to the buyer underscores the importance of due diligence.
- The 2022 SQ5 Safety Index of 84/100 represents a three-point improvement over the 2021 model's 81/100, the most notable year-over-year movement in recent SQ5 history.
- NHTSA assigned a 4-star rollover rating with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, but frontal and side crash-test ratings were not conducted for this model year.
- Two specific recall campaigns were issued for this model year: one covering a body control module electrical system concern across a wide Q5-family population, and one narrow tailgate structural issue affecting a single 2022 SQ5 Sportback unit.
- Zero NHTSA owner complaints have been reported for the 2022 SQ5, a distinctively clean complaint record for a vehicle now circulating in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Audi SQ5 places
The 2022 Audi SQ5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Audi SQ5 safety questions
Was the 2022 Audi SQ5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Audi SQ5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2022 Audi SQ5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Audi SQ5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Audi SQ5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Audi SQ5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16573), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 2022.
- 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 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.