Last updated: 2026-03-15

RELIABILITY SCORE: 65/100 (GOOD)

2020 Audi A4 Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Audi A4
Brand: Audi

The 2020 Audi A4 scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 122 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

122

Complaint Rate

66.5

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$739

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity45/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity91/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Refresh Year

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?

The 2020 Audi A4 scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 received a facelift (2020–2025) update for the Fifth generation (B9).

Its complaint rate (66.5 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 18.8. The most common reports involve electrical system and electrical system (89).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system and electrical system (89). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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 BMW 4-Series

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 43/100

Mixed

2020 Lexus IS

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2020 BMW 5-Series

Reliability: 67/100

Good

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 56/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 Audi A4 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

66.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 18.8

LowAvgHigh

High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

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.

22V0340002022-01-26

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.

21V8740002021-11-10

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.

21V2950002021-04-26

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.

2020 Audi A4 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi A4 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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

$739

Category Avg

$739

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

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

Buying a 2020 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN

2020 Audi A4 Common Problems by Component

122 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

109

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34)BACK OVER PREVENTION (6)LANE DEPARTURE (1)SUSPENSION (1)ENGINE (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

109 complaints

Owners 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.

109 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

34 complaints

Owners 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.

34 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

2025-06-09

MMI 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-related

2021-06-06Crash reported

The 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 complaint

2025-09-22

The 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.

10,000–50,000 milesMMI system reboots

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 score

The 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).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

Good

2020

(Current Model)

3Recalls

122Complaints

See full Audi A4 years-to-avoid analysis

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.

Audi A4 reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	81/100	+4	Excellent	0	0
2023	77/100	+5	Good	0	8
2022	72/100	+1	Good	4	3
2021	71/100	+6	Good	5	12
2020(selected)	65/100	-6	Good	3	122
2018	71/100	—	Good	4	35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Audi A4 reliable?

The 2020 Audi A4 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 65/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 122 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi A4?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Audi A4 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (6 complaints), LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints), SUSPENSION (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A4 have?

The 2020 Audi A4 has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Audi A4 expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Audi A4 has estimated annual repair costs of $739/year, which matches the luxury midsize cars average. With a reliability score of 65/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.