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Audi A5Model year report

2020 Audi A5 Problems

Compared with other Audi A5 years

More complaints than typical for this model

78/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
60filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
67,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 24 city / 32 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Audi A5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year are dominated by the infotainment (MMI) system restarting on its own, often repeatedly during a drive, which owners say takes out navigation, audio, and the backup camera along with it. A smaller group of complaints concerns the SOS/telematics module and hands-free phone audio. Nearly all of the sampled complaints carry no mileage figure, so most of what is described here is tied to the electronics rather than to wear.

  1. Electrical system

    Infotainment screen restarts on its own while driving

    • 46 complaints (77%)
    • typically at 5.7 yrs old
    • filed 2025

    Owners describe the center display and MMI system going black and rebooting without warning, sometimes every few minutes and sometimes only occasionally, with no obvious trigger and no dependence on whether a phone is connected. Complaints say navigation, music, Bluetooth, and sometimes the backup camera and parking or cross-traffic warnings are unavailable until the system finishes restarting, and that the login screen often has to be cleared afterwards. According to the complaints, dealers have performed software updates or resets with mixed results, and several owners say they were charged for repairs that did not resolve the restarts. Most sampled complaints were filed in 2025, with owners describing the restarts starting that spring and becoming more frequent over time.

    6 related service bulletins

    What to check: During a test drive, watch the center screen for a full reboot and try navigation, Bluetooth, and the backup camera in reverse. Ask the seller whether any infotainment software update or service action was applied and whether the restarts continued afterwards.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “MMI/radio shuts off while driving every day. Good morning. I’m hoping someone here can help me. I have a 2020 A5 and about 2 weeks my car started doing an annoying thing where while driving the radio/MMI randomly shuts off and reboots. I’ve tried everything I can think of to both replicate it and stop it but nothing has worked.”

    NHTSA complaint #11670017, filed 2025-06

    “The MMI/ radio shuts off and reboots at least every 5-6 minutes. When it comes back up, I get the error “user hasn’t been detected for some time”. Every time it shuts off it is 30 seconds to a minute where nothing in my MMI is accessible. This began around late June of 2025. No warning lights or error codes have been found. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11673066, filed 2025-07
  2. Back-over prevention (rear camera)

    Backup camera and parking warnings drop out during restarts

    • 28 complaints (47%)
    • typically at 5.6 yrs old
    • filed 2025

    Owners describe the rearview camera image going black or the camera activating slowly when reverse is engaged, and parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and collision warnings going quiet while the infotainment system reboots. Several complaints mention the screen resetting mid-parking maneuver, and some say the camera stayed black much of the time even outside of restarts. Complaints report that dealers replaced or updated software without a lasting fix in some cases. Reports in the sample cluster in 2025 and on vehicles with no mileage given; one owner tied the camera blackout to work done at a 10,000-mile service.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Shift into reverse and confirm the camera image appears promptly and stays on; also check whether the parking sensor warning sounds when approaching an object. Ask whether the rear parking sensor service bulletin work was performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The MMI constantly reboots itself. I have had the car to two dealers and despite software updates, the problem continues. As a result of this, while I have been in reverse the cameras will automatically turn off,”

    NHTSA complaint #11675336, filed 2025-07

    “The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) randomly reboots and poses a safety hazard. Several times while reversing using my backup camera, the MMI has rebooted which causes the camera to go blank. This poses a risk to back up into an object or a person during this time. Also during this time, the Rear Cross Traffic Warning system is disabled until the system reboots. Also, while using navigation, the MMI has rebooted on me several times. It has occurred during critical times such as exiting freeways at high speeds. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11678628, filed 2025-08
  3. Electrical system

    SOS emergency call module fault and warning chime

    • 7 complaints (12%)
    • typically at 4.2 yrs old
    • filed 2022–2025

    Owners report an SOS emergency call malfunction message, often accompanied by repeated loud beeps, and loss of Bluetooth hands-free calling or the connected services tied to the telematics module. Some complaints say the module was replaced once and failed again, and others mention being told the part was on back order or that the repair was not covered. A few link water ingress at the antenna to the fault, with one owner quoting a substantial repair estimate. Sampled complaints span 2021 through 2025; owners describe the fault recurring after an initial module replacement.

    Recall 21V874000

    What to check: Start the car and check for an SOS or emergency call warning on the cluster and that the overhead call button light behaves normally. Try pairing a phone and making a hands-free call, and ask whether the telematics module has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Our 2020 Audi A5 experienced a module failure affecting SOS (Loud) audible alarm that sounds every 2-4 minutes when driving and also affects bluetooth connection for hands free phone. Told by Audi dealership there was a recall, then removed for this due to lack of available parts from Audi. This very loud alarm sounds every 2-4 minutes while driving and is variable so can easily scare driving/distract. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11475875, filed 2022-07

    “The car has a very loud sequence of high pitched beeps accompanying a “SOS EMERGENCY CALL FUNCTION MALFUNCTION” warning light that comes on and stays on. It is a major driving distraction when the warning beeps suddenly come on (up to six sustained times in a row). The diagnosis of this was that the antennae needs replacing due to water ingress with an estimate from dealership of $2500. Additionally, the MMI randomly powers off and then reboots every couple of minutes. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11673994, filed 2025-07

Buying note. The recurring theme for this model year is infotainment and telematics electronics rather than mechanical wear, so budget time for a thorough check of the screen, camera, and SOS system on a test drive. Ask for service records showing which software updates and module replacements have already been done, since owners report the restarts sometimes persist after repairs.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi A5. 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,083 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 5 Audi A5 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 78 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “The software that supports the radio and other functions keeps rebooting while driving. This I could happen three times in 15 minutes. I have been on highway and it shuts off which has made me swerve and almost get in an accidents. Dealer has charge me $350 and did not fix issue. They are talking with corporate but no one seems to care. Started in January or February of 2025.”

NHTSA complaint #11662372, filed 2025-05

Other or unknown: “My car’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) keeps restarting every 1 to 2 minutes everyday while driving the carThe MMI runs my navigation (not through my phone) and music by connecting to my phone with Bluetooth. It also shows me my backup camera and diagnostics with the car. Safety is affected by distractions, not knowing where to go, irritation. No dealership has inspected or been able to reproduce the issue. No other issues came before the MMI began restarting.”

NHTSA complaint #11674472, filed 2025-07

Back-over prevention (rear camera): “Complaint Summary Component: Electrical System / Infotainment (MMI) Vehicle: 2020 Audi A5 Make/Model/Year: Audi A5, 2020 Frequency of Issue: Ongoing, multiple times per week Safety Concern: Yes Description of the Problem: I am experiencing ongoing and repeated spontaneous reboots of the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system in my 2020 Audi A5. This issue began occurring a few months ago and has since become increasingly frequent. …”

NHTSA complaint #11662472, filed 2025-05

Lane departure: “Hello, I am writing today to inform you about the safety concerns I have over My Audis MMI issues. The MMI is the multi media infotainment which is operates my back up camera, proximity sensors and navigation. The MMI is stuck in a loop and reboots every 60 seconds. I was backing up and the MMI rebooted on me which abruptly stop streaming what was behind me, my neighbor was also backing up and thankfully I spotted them on my rear view mirror and stop in time before we collided.”

NHTSA complaint #11677655, filed 2025-07

Mileage when problems were reported

0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 67,000 and 67,000 miles.

0%0–100%10–250%25–50100%50–750%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (1 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 67,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

2021202220232024202551
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Audi A5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
A5 Sportback · sedan AWD★★★★★4 / 4555 · 9.9% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2020 Audi A5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
A5 Sportback quattro AWD2.0L 4-cyl7-speed automatic243227$3,050
A5 quattro AWD2.0L 4-cyl7-speed automatic243227$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2020 Audi A5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,083 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,083 bulletins →

Other model years of the Audi A5

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202588812—26—Too new
2024819,7480527—Too new
20238—0—27—Too new
20227—2—27—Not enough data
2021830,1485527—Not enough data
20206067,000452778 · MoreRising
20191215,0003527—Not enough data
2018387,0006527100 · MoreRising
2016735,0003—26—Not enough data
2015825,0003—26—Not enough data
20142860,0003—260 · FewerStable
20133550,2503—2464 · TypicalStable
20122275,0000—25—Falling
20112566,5740—250 · FewerFalling
20103464,2240—2329 · FewerFalling
20091145,0001—20—Not enough data
2008546,3001—21—Not enough data

All Audi A5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Complaints on this model year are dominated by the infotainment (MMI) system restarting on its own, often repeatedly during a drive, which owners say takes out navigation, audio, and the backup camera along with it. The issues reported most often: Infotainment screen restarts on its own while driving; Backup camera and parking warnings drop out during restarts; SOS emergency call module fault and warning chime.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Audi A5 have?

NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi A5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2020 Audi A5 is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 41 complaints (68% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 25.

Has the 2020 Audi A5 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2020 Audi A5 do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Audi A5 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi A5 get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Audi A5 (A5 Sportback quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Audi A5 reported?

Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,000 miles and the middle half falls between 67,000 and 67,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.