2020 Audi A4
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Audi A4 has 226 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 9.8x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is electrical problems (39% of all complaints), specifically: emergency call sos module function is inoperative. cannot use the sos function and hands-free cell phone use through bluetooth is also inoperative. went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in audi service action 90t2. i was told the repair is covered by the vehicle. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
226
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
9.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
89 complaints- • Emergency Call SOS module function is inoperative. Cannot use the SOS function and hands-free cell phone use through Bluetooth is also inoperative. Went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in Audi Service Action 90T2. I was told the repair is covered by the vehicle
- • This safety issue concerns the MMI system. In my state of MA we cannot use a cell phone while driving. The car's MMI system does not connect to the MMI and hands free calling cannot be done. The dealership and Audi have indicated there is no fix for this. The MMI does not currently have any function
- • Audi mmi keeps turning off even when driving. Wu e I drive it turns off multiple times leaving me with no connection to the car info system.
“Emergency Call SOS module function is inoperative. Cannot use the SOS function and hands-free cell phone use through Bluetooth is also inoperative. Went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in Audi Service Action 90T2. I was told the repair is covered by the vehicle”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (3)
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.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Audi A4
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Audi A4
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi A4 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2020 A4, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 226 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: Emergency Call SOS module function is inoperative. Cannot use the SOS function and hands-free cell phone use through Bluetooth is also inoperative. Went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in Audi Service Action 90T2. I was told the repair is covered by the vehicle
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. Restoring functionality requires user i
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: This safety issue concerns the MMI system. In my state of MA we cannot use a cell phone while driving. The car's MMI system does not connect to the MMI and hands free calling cannot be done. The dealership and Audi have indicated there is no fix for this. The MMI does not currently have any function
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi A4 — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 23
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Audi A4