NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Audi SQ5 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Audi SQ5 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Audi SQ5 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong category. This assessment is supported by a perfect score in avoidance technology and a near-perfect record regarding manufacturing defects. However, NHTSA has not yet published full frontal or side crash-test ratings for the 2025 model year, leaving gaps in the complete safety profile.
The 2025 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Audi SQ5 ranks 111 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 111 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Audi SQ5?
The 2025 Audi SQ5's safety profile is marked by a strong suite of standard driver assistance technologies. A perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology reflects the inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control as standard features. This contributes to the vehicle's overall Safety Index of 85/100, a score maintained precisely from the 2024 model year. The defect record also stands out, earning 19 out of 20 points. This high score is due to only one federal safety action: a recall for a seat belt pretensioner. However, the crash protection component, which contributes 56 out of a possible 70 points, is less complete. While the SQ5 received a 4-star rollover rating with a 16-percent risk, NHTSA has not published frontal or side crash ratings for this model year. This absence means these specific crash test outcomes are not yet available for public assessment. Four owner complaints have been filed, addressing issues across six different component categories, none of which yet indicate a systemic problem.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Audi SQ5's rollover prevention systems perform adequately, securing 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This assessment notes a 16 percent rollover risk and a successful dynamic tip test. However, NHTSA has not published star ratings for frontal or side crash protection for this model year, leaving these critical safety areas unevaluated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20612
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 carries one recall campaign: a seat belt pretensioner defect affecting the driver and front passenger positions, issued by Volkswagen Group of America under a multi-model action covering Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER26V266000
Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GT.
Reported 2026-04-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Audi SQ5?
Four unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 SQ5. Alleged problem areas span the power train, forward collision avoidance system, visibility, fuel and propulsion system, steering, and vehicle speed control. None of the four reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Audi SQ5?
A specific recall regarding the seat belt pretensioner on the 2025 SQ5 demands attention from prospective buyers. Open safety recalls transfer with the vehicle regardless of prior ownership, making VIN verification crucial. Any shopper considering a used 2025 SQ5 should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether this recall remedy has been completed.
- The 2025 SQ5 Safety Index of 85/100 is unchanged from the 2024 model year, indicating no improvement or decline in the measured safety profile between the two years.
- NHTSA has not published frontal or side crash-test star ratings for the 2025 SQ5; only the 4-star rollover result with a 16-percent rollover risk is on record.
- One active recall targets the driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners across the 2025 SQ5 and related Q5-platform variants; buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- All four NHTSA owner complaints for this model year are unverified allegations, with zero reports of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Audi SQ5 places
The 2025 Audi SQ5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Audi SQ5 safety questions
Was the 2025 Audi SQ5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Audi SQ5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2025 Audi SQ5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Audi SQ5 earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Audi SQ5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Audi SQ5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Audi SQ5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20612), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ5 2025.
- 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 111 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.