Last updated: 2026-04-20
2020 Audi A5 Reliability Report
The 2020 Audi A5 scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 60 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
5
Complaints
60
Complaint Rate
31.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$739
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,550–$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 (41)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (RE9).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 2nd generation A5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2018: Second generation (RE9) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (RE9).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 Audi A5?
At 70/100, the 2020 Audi A5 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (RE9).
Its complaint rate of 31.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 17.3. The most common reports involve electrical system and electrical system (41).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system and electrical system (41). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Audi A5, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2019 Audi A5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM complaints dominate (68%)
- −1 fatality report in owner complaints
Compare 2020 Audi A5 With
2020 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 52/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 43/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 56/100
2020 Lexus IS
Reliability: 83/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability: 59/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A5. 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
31.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.3
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Audi A5 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Audi A5. 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 A5? Check its history first
Every 2020 Audi A5 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 A5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi A5Repair 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
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–27 MPG
Running cost: $3,300–$3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
23–24 city / 31–32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A5 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,550 |
| A5 Sportback quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,550 |
| A5 Cabriolet 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 A5.
Test MMI system for frequent reboots during a drive
Check if backup camera and parking sensors function consistently
Verify if the infotainment system maintains Bluetooth and navigation connectivity
Ensure all software updates have been applied and inquire about any pending recalls
Inspect for any warning lights related to the SOS emergency call function
2020 Audi A5 Common Problems by Component
60 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Audi A5 frequently experiences issues with the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system, which randomly reboots during operation. Typical symptoms include the MMI screen going black, loss of navigation, and disconnection from Apple CarPlay, often occurring every few minutes. This issue can disable critical features like the backup camera and parking sensors, posing potential safety risks, especially during maneuvers such as reversing or navigating complex traffic situations. Complaints often mention that the problem persists despite software updates, with some owners noting the issue began sporadically and increased in frequency over time. Buyers should be aware of this recurring issue, as it may affect vehicle functionality and driver focus.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsOwners report persistent issues with the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system in the 2020 Audi A5, which frequently reboots or shuts down unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention that this affects navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and the backup camera, with systems often restarting every few minutes. These problems have been documented both shortly after purchase and after extended use, with some owners experiencing issues as early as 10,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as the loss of the backup camera and navigation can lead to distractions and potential hazards while driving. Multiple owners describe unsuccessful attempts at repair, with some mentioning recurring issues despite multiple dealership visits and software updates.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Audi A5 experiences issues with the MMI system, which frequently reboots spontaneously. Typical symptoms include the MMI system turning off while the vehicle is in reverse, leading to the cameras shutting down and loss of navigation, parking, and collision warning aids. Complaints suggest these issues emerge without prior modifications or warnings, notably starting in early 2025. Although no crashes are explicitly reported, owners describe near-miss situations due to the sudden loss of back-over prevention features. Buyers should be aware that these problems persist even after dealership inspections and software updates.
EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)
EQUIPMENT
1 complaintSee attached document for complaint
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Audi A5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was noticed that the driver's side window had failed to remain up as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective window regulator. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedMy brother lost control from the tires being worn unevenly wich caused him to lose traction. The airbags in the car on the passenger side where the steel pole made contact, failed to deploy. The seatbelt was defective because he was seatbelted and the belt broke.
When Do 2020 Audi A5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi A5 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi A5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi A5 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (81/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Audi A5 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi A5 year is 2020 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to electrical system (41) issues.
2020
(Current Model)
Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend
Audi A5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Audi A5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Audi A5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi A5?
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A5 have?
Is the 2020 Audi A5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A5 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 A5.
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