2020 Audi A5 Safety Report
2020 Audi A5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Audi A5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Audi A5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (60) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Audi A5 with 2 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Audi A5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi A5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi A5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi A5 | 7 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Audi A5 | 12 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 6 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Audi A5 | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Audi A5 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 7 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2020 Audi A5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Audi A5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyElectrical System,Back Over Prevention
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Back Over Prevention issues Audi onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention issues Audi onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Audi A5
Reliability Score
The 2020 Audi A5 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2020 Audi A5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Audi A5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mmi System Reboots The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system reboots randomly, causing distractions and potentially safety hazards while driving. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention Failure Back over prevention systems can fail, increasing the risk of accidents when reversing. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Tire Recall Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe for tire issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Exterior Lighting Recall Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 for exterior lighting issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Audi A5:
The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system reboots and shuts down unexpectedly, causing distractions and potentially safety hazards.
Back over prevention systems can fail, increasing the risk of accidents when reversing.
Tires are subject to recall due to safety concerns.
Exterior lighting is subject to recall due to safety concerns.
Recall Details for the 2020 Audi A5
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Audi A5 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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 reme...
Summary: 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.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
Consequence: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Audi A5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Audi A5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Audi USA sent me a recall letter/service action for Infotainment System Software. The system reboots and shuts down unexpectedly while driving. Took the car to a local Audi dealership and they informed me that they cannot repair the recall because they now want to change my SOS module in order for both to work. They are asking me to pay them $1,500 for that. Meanwhile they informed me that my SOS ...
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 M...
The MMI which controls back up and 360 cameras, parking sensors, collision avoidance system, navigation, bluetooth, radio, etc reboots randomly without warning. There is no predictability and I have not been able to identify a trigger. There is no warning indicator on the dash or MMI before it happens. When it reboots the screen goes black and all associated MMI functions become inoperable for sec...
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 tha...
The vehicle's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system is reportedly shutting down randomly while the vehicle is in operation. This issue occurs without warning and is intermittent, making it unpredictable. Observed Symptoms/Events: Complete Loss of MMI Functionality: The screen goes black, and all associated functions (navigation, radio, Bluetooth, vehicle settings, climate control interface, rearview ...
Beginning in mid July 2025, the MMI system (screen in the center of the dashboard) reboots every 1-2 minutes. In addition to the large distraction this causes while driving, the constant rebooting disables the back-up camera, parking sensors, rear-cross traffic alerts, collision avoidance assist, navigation, as well as everything else that is controlled by the Audi MMI system.
The MMI resets every 3-5 minutes. This problem started approximately 9 months ago and has continued to happen more frequently. Navigation, car play and the radio are affected. It is startling when the radio turns on when it was previously turned off. It is not possible to use the navigation system. The concern is that the MMI controls other important functions and it's unclear if they will ...
2020 Audi A5 started randomly rebooting (MMI software) around mid April 2025, It happens I’d say every 5-20 minutes and it repeats all the time. The fact that Audi/VW won't cover the cost to update their buggy software is very frustrating. I have notified Audi USA about the issue and am awaiting a response if they will cover the labor cost @ Prestige Audi in Denver, CO
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,
About 3 weeks ago, the MMI screen began restarting over and over again and at times would reset when backing up and using the rear view camera. I have attempted restarting the MMI multiple times to no fix. I have also reset the MMI to its original settings and still the system keeps restarting. Sadly, this seems to be an issue occurring to multiple 2020 models according to multiple complaints onli...
MMI constantly shuts off, often in the process of moving into or out of a parking spot. This suddenly and unexpectedly disables the parking collision warning system, the rear cross traffic warning system, and frontal collision warnings. Very frustrating and unsafe. No solution currently exists. No symptoms prior to this happening; it is widely reported at online forums. No users have been able to ...
The computer of the car (the MMI) is constantly rebooting. Once I turn on the vehicle it’ll start up normally and after about 1 minute or two it’ll go black and everything will restart.
The MMI system keeps rebooting. Once when I was backing up, the screen started resetting compromising the backup camera display and any cross traffic warning that may of been there.
The MMI system in the car constantly reboots and does not work for more than 30 seconds
Vehicle's MMI and screen shuts off and on randomly even if the car system is off. Cannot use backup camera, or steering wheel controls while driving due to the system shutting down. Yes. Audi of Springfield MO Yes. Audi of Springfield MO No. Happened after the dealership did an update on the vehicle.
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 th...
MMI system frequently shuts down and reboots. This is a safety concern as the screen has shut down and gone dark in the middle of backing up, while using the backup camera and navigation is lost when driving on the highway causing a dangerous distraction. Within a minute of turning on car, the system shuts down, reboots and continues to shut down and reboot repeatedly throughout the duration of th...
Infotainment system restarts every 2 minutes. The entire system is unusable. This affects my safety because the radio static would come on every time it reboots at a loud volume. It is very distracting as it happens at every reboot revery 2 minutes. The screen keeps turning on and off is also very distracting. This has not been inspected by anyone but me. I see this problem surfacing online ev...
My media display will randomly turn off while driving, idling and parking. It will happen with Apple CarPlay connection and without anything connected, ie just listening to radio. It requires the whole system to reboot an attempt to login, which also often fails. This is a safety concern for both driver and pedestrians as it affects parking visibility when the systems reboots while parking. Als...
Everytime I am driving around my MMI system keeps rebooting. It disconnects my navigation and back up camera and it takes 10-30 seconds to restart. It does this about once every 2 minutes.
Showing 20 of 60 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Audi A5
Has the 2020 AUDI A5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 AUDI A5 has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 AUDI A5 have?
The 2020 AUDI A5 has 60 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 AUDI A5?
The 2020 AUDI A5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 AUDI A5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 AUDI A5 involve electrical system (22 complaints), unknown or other (10 complaints), electrical system,back over prevention (6 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,unknown or other, unknown or other,back over prevention, electrical system,unknown or other,back over prevention.
How many crash reports does the 2020 AUDI A5 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2020 AUDI A5 out of 60 total complaints (1.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 AUDI A5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2020 AUDI A5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 AUDI A5?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 AUDI A5. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 AUDI A5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 AUDI A5.
Should I buy a 2020 AUDI A5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 AUDI A5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 60 complaints, 4 recalls. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 AUDI A5?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 AUDI A5 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION (6 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 22 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 AUDI A5?
Address all recalls promptly and consider a diagnostic check for the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system if experiencing reboots or shutdowns. The 2020 AUDI A5 has 60 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2020 AUDI A5?
The 2020 AUDI A5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 60 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include MMI System Reboots and Back Over Prevention Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2020 AUDI A5?
Known issues with the 2020 AUDI A5 include: MMI System Reboots, Back Over Prevention Failure, Tire Recall, Exterior Lighting Recall. These are based on patterns found across 60 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common electrical system issues in the 2020 Audi A5?
Common issues include the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system reboots and back over prevention system failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Audi A5?
Yes, recalls have been issued for tires, seats, suspension, and exterior lighting.
How often does the MMI system reboot?
The MMI system reboots randomly, with some reports of it happening every 1-2 minutes or every 5-20 minutes.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Address all recalls promptly and consider a diagnostic check for the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system if experiencing reboots or shutdowns.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Audi A5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Audi A5. The data includes 60 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13