Last updated: 2026-04-20
2020 Audi A4 Reliability Report
The 2020 Audi A4 scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 122 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
122
Complaint Rate
66.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$739
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (6)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a facelift (2020–2025) update for the Fifth generation (B9).
- Changes: Redesigned headlights and taillights; Altered body panels; New touchscreen for infotainment.
- Year 5 in this generation (2016–2023).
- 5th generation A4 (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2016: Fifth generation (B9) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year (Refresh)
2020 received a facelift (2020–2025) update for the Fifth generation (B9).
Should You Buy the 2020 Audi A4?
At 65/100, the 2020 Audi A4 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 received a facelift (2020–2025) update for the Fifth generation (B9).
Its complaint rate of 66.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 17.3. The most common reports involve electrical system and electrical system (89).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system and electrical system (89). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Audi A4, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2018 Audi A4 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM complaints dominate (72%)
Compare 2020 Audi A4 With
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Reliability: 56/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 43/100
2020 Volvo S60
Reliability: 72/100
2020 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 52/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability: 59/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A4. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
66.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.3
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Audi A4 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Audi A4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES, SUSPENSION
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.
Consequence
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
SEATS, AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
SUSPENSION
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.
Consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Audi A4? Check its history first
Every 2020 Audi A4 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Audi A4 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi A4Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$739
vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–30 MPG
Running cost: $3,050–$3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
23–27 city / 31–35 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,300 |
| A4 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,550 |
| A4 allroad quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Audi A4.
Test infotainment system for frequent reboots during operation
Verify backup camera functionality during reverse maneuvers
Check for any infotainment software updates applied
Inspect for any warning lights related to the electrical system
Ensure collision avoidance and parking sensors are operational
2020 Audi A4 Common Problems by Component
122 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
109 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Audi A4's MMI (infotainment) system, which commonly reboots every few minutes during operation. Typical symptoms include the screen going blank, loss of navigation and backup camera functionality, and disruption of audio and vehicle settings. These issues often occur both while driving and parked, with some reports suggesting the problem worsens over time. The malfunctioning MMI system poses safety risks by distracting drivers and disabling critical features like collision avoidance and rearview cameras. Complaints frequently mention that the problem persists despite attempts at software updates and dealer interventions, which are often costly and inconclusive.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
34 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Audi A4's MMI (Multimedia Interface) system frequently reboots unexpectedly while driving, causing the display to go dark and disabling critical features such as the backup camera, parking assistance, and collision avoidance systems. Complaints frequently mention that these reboots occur every few minutes, with some indicating the issue has worsened over time. This problem is noted to be particularly distracting, especially when using navigation or Bluetooth functions, and poses a safety risk by disabling the rearview camera during reversing maneuvers. The issue is reported across various mileage ranges, with several owners indicating it has persisted for months without resolution. This pattern of complaints may be relevant for potential buyers considering the vehicle's infotainment reliability and associated safety implications.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
6 complaintsOwners report frequent failures of the MMI system in the 2020 Audi A4, particularly affecting the back over prevention features. Complaints commonly describe the system's screen going black or the entire system rebooting, which disables the backup camera, parking sensors, and other essential driver assistance features. These issues often occur during reversing or parking maneuvers, significantly impacting safety by removing visual and auditory alerts. Patterns suggest that these problems can begin as early as January 2025, with some owners noting the issue worsening over time. No specific mileage range is mentioned, but the recurrence and widespread nature of the problem are noted by multiple owners.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintMMI shuts down and reboots randomly without warning and multiply times a day. All the backup camera and safety warning features were disabled while MMI is off. Huge safety concerns!
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owns a 2020 Audi A4. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking space, there was big rock next to the bumper on the front passenger's side of the vehicle and there was a scallop area with stones next to the passenger's side of the vehicle as well. The contact stated that she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the scallop area and the vehicle was stuck between the scallop area and the big rock. There was no further information provided. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustained any injuries and did not seek medical assistance. The contact was able to release the vehicle with the assistance of road side assistance. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the low oil warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle for approximately 1 mile; however the warning message "Do Not Drive" illuminated. The contact notified the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil pan was fractured and needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the oil pan and towed the vehicle to the collision shop, where it was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V295000 (SUSPENSION), which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintThe cars MMI system will loose connection while in Motion making the car systems none functioning /. This can happen while at highway speeds or while backing up .
When Do 2020 Audi A4 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi A4 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi A4 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi A4 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (77/100) and 2022 (72/100).
Audi A4 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi A4 year is 2020 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to electrical system (89) issues.
2020
(Current Model)
Audi A4 Reliability Score Trend
Audi A4 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Audi A4 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Audi A4 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi A4?
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A4 have?
Is the 2020 Audi A4 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Audi A4.
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