Model year guide

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints74
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined25 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 10 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 16.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,300
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,500
Fuel only$16,500
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback vehicles on record

Other Audi Q5 Sportback model years

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?

Across all 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, power train.

What is the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback get?

The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (23 city / 28 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.