Vehicle report
2020 Audi A4
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Audi A4, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2020 Audi A4 has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
3
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2020 Audi A4 recalls (3)
TIRES
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.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
SEATS
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.
2020 Audi A4 safety ratings
5
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
5
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2020 Audi A4 owner complaints (15)
- SEATS
A metal bracket on the back left side of the driver seat snapped suddenly while driving straight and at a constant speed. Since this part is broken the seat is no longer connected to the track in that corner. The car is drivable for me because I am tall and sit with the seat at its lowest height setting. When turning or breaking quickly the seat moves, and it would obviously be a safety issue if I get into an accident. If the seat is adjusted higher it is not supported in that corner and it leans back. Yesterday I dropped it off at the dealer service center and they said it is the seat frame. I have not heard back from them yet. I am the first owner of this car, and it has not been in any serious accidents (I hit a deer once roughly 2 years ago). I am not unusually heavy.
- SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Since I purchase my vehicle I have had to continuously replace my tires on the front. Going through my carfax acct I came across some recalls that showed up that I had no idea of the car may had which was prior to purchase from the dealers. I would think that these issues were fixed prior to reselling. I recently had to pull over on the freeway due to the tire making noises then realized that the tire wear was uneven again but this time shredded apart. I could feel metal poking out which the tires hadn’t been on for long. The loss pressure warning light went off. I later found the missing tire that has came off wrapped around the rotor which the tire shop near me hadn’t seen while replacing with new tires again. The wear on the brake pads were off as well as the rotors which I also ended up having to replace just recently. I’ve made an appointment with a dealer which is out of my way to hopefully have this resolved but needed to make a report of this safety issue.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Audi A4 infotainment MMI keeps rebooting and takes over a minute or so to load back. This has been happening recently and i have rebooted the system and followed the Audi/reddit forums to seek any help but no resolution. It seems most of the 2020 Audis are facing similar issues. This issue is concerning and needs immediate attention since I have had instances where i lost backup camera while backing. Losing Navigation Capabilities or backup camera feature while backing up or driving has jeopardized me couple of times since i had to fumble and hit brakes as i was almost handicap momentarily. Audi is aware of this issue and have had issued TSB in 2020 which is attached here, but no recall was ever conducted which they should as this now an industry wide problem. Also, i got to know that S they have issued a 2021 MMI recall affecting over 44k Cars but not 2020, which is very surprising. Based on forums and other users it seems the Firmware version 3243 need an overhaul or even MMI module replacement if firmware update doesn't fix the issue. Request the authority to investigate this known issue for 2020 car line with similar intensity as this a widespread safety hazard. MMIs usually incorporate other modules as well so there is risk for ADAS failures or parking aids. Below is link to some on-going issues Audi 2020 users are facing [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The entertainment system goes black every 5-10 minutes while driving
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
The MMI system, which is the display in the car, keeps rebooting every few minutes. It is extremely distracting while driving. Also during parking or back up the parking assistance and backup camera would suddenly disappear because the system reboots. The rear cross traffic warning stops working during reboot as well.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot every 2 minutes. This is incredibly dangerous as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. It has happened while I have been backing up and backup camera has rebooted during backup. Parking Collision has also malfunctioned multiple times - but primary issue is the MMI rebooting even while driving on the freeway.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The MMI system crashes and reboots after about 90 seconds. This affects all parking and collision sensors.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
MMI Constant Rebooting - Follow up My 2020 Audi A4 Quattro's MMI system constantly reboots (~60 seconds), causing the screen to go black/blank. Component Failed: MIB3 infotainment software. This persistent issue leads to reboots and loss of digital display. System available for inspection. Safety Risk: Significant, recurring hazard. Critical safety features are inoperative for ~1 min during reboots, including: Rearview camera (backing/parking safety) Navigation Communication No manual bypass exists; driver loses vital visual information Problem Confirmation: Consistently reproducible. Dealer proposed costly hardware replacement with no guarantee, contradicting manufacturer guidelines for known software issues. Symptoms: continuous black screen, Audi splash, then re-initialization. Problem worsened over weeks. Manufacturer's Knowledge: Extensive owner research (AudiWorld, Reddit) confirms this as a widespread, documented MIB3 software defect for 2020 Audi A4/A5 models. Audi's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) address this: TSB 2069112 (MIB3 improvements) TSB 2067021 (MIB3 malfunctions) These TSBs outline a specific, sequential software update process (e.g., older versions need TSB 2067021 first for TSB 2069112). Other owners successfully resolved rebooting with these updates. This malfunction is analogous to other Audi MIB3 software instabilities, as evidenced by NHTSA Recall Number 22V742 (Audi Campaign Code 91DZ). This recall for 2021-2022 Audi models addresses similar digital display/infotainment failures (e.g., rearview camera loss) via a no-cost software update. This demonstrates Audi's awareness of systemic MIB3 software issues impairing safety. I urge NHTSA to investigate this widespread 2020 Audi A4 issue and compel Audi to issue a recall for a no-cost software update (per TSBs) to all affected owners. More detailed documentation, including dealer records and owner videos, is available upon request as there is limited space to detail here.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
I have started experiencing issues with the MMI (infotainment system) system rebooting every few minutes. It was very sporadic at first, but now it is at the point where I frequently don't have time to get into the system before it starts the reboot cycle again. When this happens, the screen will go blank for several seconds. Then a message will show for several seconds saying that the system is loading. The system will then try to guide me through several prompts to try to log back into the car's MMI system. Even if I choose "Guest User" I am shown multiple prompts before I get into the system and can use the functions located in the MMI. This can and does happen while driving, while parked, and while backing up. This reboot sequence makes all of the safety features, including collision avoidance and the backup camera inaccessible during this time. Sometimes, the system reboots before I have time to even back out of my driveway. Frequently, I don't have time to sign in or work through the prompts to get to the working system before it starts rebooting again. This issue started in February, 2025, but it was infrequent then. Over the past month, the issue has been persistent with the system rebooting every 5 minutes or less. This is very distracting while trying to drive and takes the driver's attention away from driving. As stated before, it also makes the safety features of the vehicle inaccessible - such as collision avoidance and backup camera.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Starting in Feb 2025 my MMI will randomly turn off and eventually turn back on randomly. This happens 10 times in 10min. I can’t drive the car due to it being unsafe. It turns maps off, music, calls, and the dashboard. I’ve found 100’s of other Audi 2020 owners having the exact same issue. The complaints and asking for advice are in a site called Audi world. Type in a4 2020 MMI reboot and you’ll see that it started at the same time for all of us. Around Feb. the dealership scanned and nothing came up, they updated and it hasn’t fixed it. They said they don’t know what’s wrong. Called Audi they said the same. Getting the run around. They did offer to look at it for probably $2000 and said they can’t guarantee they’ll be able to fix it. Please make a recall. Started in Feb and is still occurring. Today it restarted 7 times while idle. Doesn’t matter what you do with or without phone. It turns off then eventually back on.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle's MMI started rebooting spontaneously from 4th week of June 2025. It happens randomly during drive and while following GPS directions. I strongly believe this being a software glitch and occurring without codes, it is a safety issue. These reboots are very unpredictable and happens constantly. When reported to Audi Dealers, they don't have a solution for it. After reviewing many blogs, and so many drivers are having this particular issue, I have decided to report it to NHTSA. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Checking a used Audi A4 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2020 A4 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular A4's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2020 Audi A4 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Audi A4, or browse more Audi models.
2020 Audi A4 — questions and answers
Does the 2020 Audi A4 have any recalls?+
Our check found 3 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2020 Audi A4. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2020 Audi A4 have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2020 Audi A4 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2020 Audi A4 safe?+
The 2020 Audi A4 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2020 Audi A4 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Audi free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Audi dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
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