Last updated: 2026-03-15

RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2020 Audi A5 Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Audi A5
Brand: Audi

The 2020 Audi A5 scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 60 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

31.9

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$739

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

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)

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?

The 2020 Audi A5 scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (RE9).

Its complaint rate (31.9 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 18.8. The most common reports involve electrical system and electrical system (41).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system and electrical system (41). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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 Lexus IS

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2020 Audi A4

Reliability: 65/100

Good

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

The 2020 Audi A5 has 5 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

31.9

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 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.

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 A5 Repair 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.

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

Buying a 2020 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.

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

Look Up a VIN

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

Owners 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.

41 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaints

Owners 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.

14 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Owners 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.

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.

When Do 2020 Audi A5 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–60,000 milesMMI system reboots

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 score

The best Audi A5 year is 2023 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (77/100) and 2018 (77/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

Audi A5 Years to Avoid

No Audi A5 years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Audi A5 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Audi A5 years-to-avoid analysis

Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend

Audi A5 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.

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

Audi A5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	77/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	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?

The 2020 Audi A5 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 60 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

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

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Audi A5 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints), EQUIPMENT (1 complaints), VISIBILITY (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A5 have?

The 2020 Audi A5 has 5 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 A5 expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Audi A5 has estimated annual repair costs of $739/year. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Audi A5 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.