Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Audi A4 Reliability Report
The 2020 Audi A4 rates good for reliability, but its MMI screen reboots, cutting the backup camera, and it is the weakest of six A4 years.
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
Weakest of the six scored A4 years, mainly because the MMI screen reboots and drops the backup camera, though its standing is still good.
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?
Reliability standing is good, but this is the weakest of the six scored A4 model years, and it falls below average among 2020 sedans. Repair costs are ordinary: independent data puts the model at $739 a year, the same as its class. Crash protection is strong, with a 5 of 5 star federal rating. The 2021 A4 also rates good and rates better, with 12 complaints against 122 here.
Nearly all the trouble is one fault. The MMI screen goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every 1 to 2 minutes. Each reboot drops the backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, phone pairing, and audio. Owners report losing the camera while reversing. Dealers often find no fault codes, and software updates frequently do not help. Some cars have had the MMI replaced more than once and still reboot. Federal records also list 3 recalls, covering tires, suspension, seats, and air bags.
Test the screen for several minutes, including in reverse. Ask for repair records showing any MMI work, and confirm the recalls were handled.
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 Volvo S60
Reliability: 72/100
2020 BMW 3 Series
Reliability: 64/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 43/100
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: 17.9
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
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Audi A4, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- 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.
Leave the MMI running for at least 15 minutes on the test drive and watch for the screen going black or rebooting.
Reverse several times and confirm the backup camera and parking sensors stay on screen without dropping out.
Pair your phone, stream Bluetooth music, and confirm sound keeps playing without the system crashing.
Watch the dash for a "parking aid: malfunction" warning during the drive.
Check whether the MMI repeatedly asks for a PIN or user login after starting the car.
Ask for service records showing MMI software updates, MMI replacements, or logged reboot complaints.
2020 Audi A4 Common Problems by Component
122 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
109 complaintsThe MMI infotainment screen goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every 1 to 2 minutes, while driving or parked. Each reboot cuts out the backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, phone pairing, and audio, and owners report losing the camera while reversing. Many reports put the start in early 2025. Dealers often find no fault codes, and software updates frequently do not help. Quoted repairs, such as a new MMI unit, come with no guarantee of a fix. Some cars have had the MMI replaced more than once and still reboot.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
34 complaintsThe center display crashes and restarts anywhere from every 30 seconds to every few minutes, and the restarts tend to get more frequent over time. Each restart blanks the rear camera, parking aid, and rear cross-traffic warning. Afterward the system often asks for a PIN or user login, which pulls the driver's attention from the road. Some cars lose sound from Bluetooth audio after a crash, even after the car is restarted. Owners say dealers have no definitive fix and offer paid updates first. The main risk is reversing without the camera.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
6 complaintsReboots of the MMI screen cut out the backup camera and parking alerts while the car is reversing or pulling into a space. The same restarts disable rear and side collision warnings, navigation, and driver assistance controls. Getting the system back can take touch-screen input while driving. In some cars it restarts about every 60 seconds, in others every 10 to 15 minutes. Several reports place the start in early 2025, and the problem tends to get worse over time. Every report here traces back to the MMI reboot fault, not to a separate camera failure.
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 .
Best & Worst Audi A4 Years
Best Audi A4 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreAudi A4 Years to Avoid
2020
(Current Model)
Audi A4 Reliability Score Trend
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?
Does the 2020 Audi A4 have backup camera problems?
Can a dealer fix the 2020 Audi A4 MMI reboot problem?
Is the 2021 Audi A4 better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Audi A4
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Audi A4 does best on how many systems draw complaints (91/100) and worst on complaint severity (45/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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