Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2020 Audi A5 Reliability Report

The 2020 Audi A5 has good reliability, but its MMI screen can reboot at random and disable the backup camera and collision warnings.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

31.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$739

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,550–$2,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity60/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity89/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Weakest of the eight scored A5 years, held back by MMI screen reboots that shut off the backup camera and collision warnings.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
EQUIPMENT (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

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?

Good, though the weakest of the eight scored A5 model years. Against other 2020 sedans it sits close to average. The 2019 rates better, and the 2021 rates about the same. It earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars.

The MMI screen is the problem to know. It goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every 1 to 2 minutes. While it restarts, the backup camera, parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert and collision warnings stop working. Several owners say the camera cut out mid-reverse, and one describes a near collision. Dealer software updates often fail, and one dealer quote for an SOS module was $1,500. Federal records show 5 recalls, in tires, suspension, seats, air bags, exterior lighting and electrical system.

Test the screen on a long drive, including in reverse. Ask for records of MMI software updates or module work, and run the VIN for open recalls. The 2019 had fewer complaints and rates better.

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

Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 43/100

Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 56/100

Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

2020 Lexus IS

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

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 sold

Segment avg: 17.9

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 A5 Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Audi A5. 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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Audi A5? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Audi A5, and 5 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 A5 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 A5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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.

Drive at least 30 minutes with the MMI screen on and watch for it going black or restarting.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the backup camera image appears every time without blanking.
Run CarPlay navigation and a Bluetooth phone call during the drive and note any dropouts or disconnections.
Check that Bluetooth hands-free calling and the SOS emergency call function both work.
Have an Audi dealer run the VIN for open campaigns and confirm the latest infotainment software is installed.
Ask for service records and treat repeated visits for MMI reboots or SOS module repairs as a warning sign.
Leave the radio off, drive a while, and watch for it switching itself back on at loud volume.

2020 Audi A5 Common Problems by Component

60 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)EQUIPMENT (1)VISIBILITY (1)AIR BAGS (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

41 complaints

The MMI screen goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every 30 minutes, often every 1 to 2 minutes. While it restarts, the backup camera, parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, collision warnings, navigation and CarPlay all stop working. Several reports describe the camera cutting out mid-reverse, and one describes a near collision. Reboots often start out occasional and become daily. Dealer software updates often fail to stop them. Some dealers say the SOS module must also be replaced before the software fix will work, and one quote was $1,500.

41 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaints

These reports describe the same MMI reboot loop. The screen and dashboard display shut off several times per drive, cutting sound, maps and the backup camera. The radio can come back on after a reboot even if it was turned off. Repeat dealer visits often fail, and in some cases replacement parts are back-ordered with no delivery date. A separate pattern is failure of the telematics or SOS module, which disables Bluetooth hands-free calling. Owners report paying out of pocket for this repair, with one quote of $2200. A few reports describe the backup camera showing a black screen in reverse.

14 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

The MMI reboots while the car is in reverse, which shuts off the cameras and takes away parking and collision warnings until the system comes back. Reboots happen at random, anywhere from every 3 to 4 minutes to once in 40 minutes. Software updates from two dealers and a factory reset did not fix the problem. Reports describe near crashes, and several say the reboots began suddenly in 2025 with no prior warning.

2 complaints total

EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2024-05-12

See attached document for complaint

VISIBILITY (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

2024-07-28

The 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-related

2023-12-26Crash reported

My 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.

Best & Worst Audi A5 Years

Best Audi A5 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Excellent

Audi A5 Years to Avoid

Good

2020

(Current Model)

5Recalls

60Complaints

See full Audi A5 years-to-avoid analysis

Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Audi A5 reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	82/100	+5	Excellent	0	0
2025	77/100	-4	Good	0	1
2023	81/100	+7	Excellent	0	0
2022	74/100	+3	Good	3	5
2021	71/100	+1	Good	5	7
2020(selected)	70/100	-3	Good	5	60
2019	73/100	-4	Good	3	12
2018	77/100	—	Good	0	6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Audi A5 reliable?

Mostly, with a clear weak spot. Its reliability standing is good and close to average among 2020 sedans, but it is the weakest of the eight scored A5 model years. Owners filed 60 complaints, most about the MMI screen rebooting. It earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi A5?

The electrical system leads, with 41 of 60 owner complaints. The MMI screen goes black and reboots, taking the backup camera, parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, collision warnings, navigation and CarPlay offline. Two more complaints describe the same reboots while the car is in reverse.

Does the 2020 Audi A5 have MMI screen reboot problems?

Yes. Owners report reboots from every 30 minutes to every 1 to 2 minutes, and they often start occasional and become daily. Dealer software updates often fail. Some dealers say the SOS module must be replaced first, and one quote was $1,500. A factory reset did not fix it in reports.

Does the 2020 Audi A5 have any recalls?

Federal records list 5 recalls for the 2020 A5. They cover tires, suspension, seats, air bags, exterior lighting and the electrical system. Run the VIN through the federal recall lookup or ask an Audi dealer to confirm which recalls are open and which repairs were completed.

Is the 2020 Audi A5 better than the 2019 or 2021?

The 2019 rates better, with 12 complaints and 3 recalls. The 2021 rates about the same as the 2020, with 7 complaints and 5 recalls. Within the A5's scored years, the 2020 is the weakest, so the 2019 is the neighboring year worth comparing first.

Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2020 Audi A5

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Audi A5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (89/100) and worst on complaint severity (60/100). 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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