2020 Audi A4: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 127 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (61% of complaints); the 2018 and 2019 and 2021 and 2022 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jan 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2020 Audi A4 has an open safety recall campaign. Audi Corporate and my local dealership are formally refusing to perform the recall remedy unless I pay over $2,000 out-of-pocket to replace a broken J949 SOS Telematics Module. The manufacturer claims the module is separate from the recall, but its total failure physically blocks their diagnostic tools from applying the mandatory safety update. Conditioning a federal safety recall on a customer-paid repair violates recall compliance regulations, and has left my automatic emergency crash reporting and vehicle communication systems completely disabled.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Audi A4. The contact stated that the emergency-call/communication system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under TSB: 91-20-29; however, the software update was unsuccessful due to the module. The dealer informed the contact that the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure prior to the vehicle being taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Communication · Jun 2026
“Audi MMI system randomly goes dark and reboots during driving - this turns off the rear camera and any GPS system being used to navigate along with the sound system, etc.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Many times while driving the Audi MMI system which controls all radio/navigation/controls screen will completely shut off and reboot, leaving the screen blank and functionality gone. When researching online many others have reported the same issue, with Audi unable to provide a definitive cause or a fix for the issue. This is a safety issue as it could cause distraction while driving”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“MMI module keeps resetting. This causes sudden lost of navigation display and sudden lost of backup camera when reset happens while backing up. Release version: MHI3_US_AUG45S_P3243 Software version: 3243”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“Multimedia Infotainment system spontaneously reboots causing loss of cameras andcollision avoidance features and requires the driver to re-enter log-in information such as PIN #'s. This is a known software fault that should likely be elevated to recall status.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2025
“MMI screen keep turning on and off every minute. This MMI is a brain of audi which controls cameras, sensor for brake and collision, parking assistance, etc. This MMI malfunction has been a big issue and none of the dealer had a permanent solution for the fault. As this MMI function begin to get worse, it could shut off the remaining functions as odometer, speed meter.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jul 2025
“The MMI (display/menu) continuously reboots every few minutes, which disrupts GPS navigation and back-up camera. This causes distraction and poses a safety risk while driving. This is a common problem among similar Audi software users but has not been addressed by the dealership. No other warnings appear, it will prompt me to re-log in after each reboot.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“The MMI system still reboots every 1-2 minutes while driving. When I am backing up, the camera screen and sensors stop working because the MMI reboots and shuts the screen off.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“The multi media screen is turning on and off repeatedly and will not stay on for more than about 2 minutes. Blacks out reverse camera as well hindering the safety of reversing. Makes the reverse un usable most times”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact A4 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Audi A4 reliable?
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Audi A4. The most complained-about area is electrical system (61% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Audi A4 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 26,000 miles or less.
Does the 2020 Audi A4 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.