2020 Audi E-Tron Safety Report

2020 Audi E-Tron: High safety ratings, but multiple recalls address critical fire and braking risks.

1Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Electrical System,Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Audi E-Tron

The 2020 Audi E-Tron demonstrates a strong overall safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in side and rollover tests, and 4 stars in frontal crash tests. This indicates excellent performance in protecting occupants during various collision scenarios. However, despite the high crash test scores, the vehicle has been subject to four safety recalls, which address significant potential hazards. These recalls include issues with the rearview camera system, which could increase the risk of a crash due to reduced visibility; a high-voltage battery overheating issue, which poses a fire risk; an onboard charging system problem that could lead to an overheated outlet or charging cable, also increasing fire risk; and a critical service brake issue where an improperly welded rotor and shaft could separate, leading to reduced braking assistance and loss of ABS/ESC. While the vehicle has only one reported complaint to NHTSA, concerning a sunroof leak, the nature and severity of the recalls highlight areas where manufacturing defects could compromise safety. The single complaint, though not directly safety-related, mentions water affecting interior electronics, which could indirectly lead to electrical system failures.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Audi E-Tron receives a reliability score of 75 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 E-Tron

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Audi E-Tron:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Voltage Battery Overheating
Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. This led to a recall for 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles.
High Occasional N/A miles
Onboard Charging System Overheating
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire. This issue prompted a recall for various Audi e-tron models, including the 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro.
High Occasional N/A miles
Service Brake Rotor/Shaft Separation
An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the service brakes, causing a reduction in braking assistance and loss of ABS/ESC. This led to a recall for 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing the driver's view behind the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. This was addressed by a recall affecting 2019-2026 vehicles.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Sunroof Leak
One complaint reported a sunroof leak, potentially affecting interior electronics. While not directly safety-critical, it could lead to electrical issues.
Low Rare N/A 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 E-Tron:

Electrical System 100% of complaints

The single reported complaint to NHTSA for the 2020 Audi E-Tron falls under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/STRUCTURE, specifically related to a sunroof leak that could affect interior electronics. Additionally, two major recalls are tied to the electrical system: one for high-voltage battery overheating and another for onboard charging system overheating.

Structure 100% of complaints

The single reported complaint to NHTSA for the 2020 Audi E-Tron falls under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/STRUCTURE, specifically related to a sunroof leak.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 0% of complaints

While no complaints were filed, a recall addresses an improperly welded rotor and shaft that could separate, leading to reduced braking assistance and loss of ABS/ESC.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 0% of complaints

While no complaints were filed, a recall addresses a software error that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Audi E-Tron

Is the 2020 Audi E-Tron safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Audi E-Tron received a 5-star overall safety rating, indicating strong crash test performance. However, it has been subject to four recalls addressing significant safety concerns, including potential fire risks from battery and charging system issues, and a critical braking system defect. While only one complaint has been filed, the recalls highlight areas of concern.

What are common problems with the 2020 Audi E-Tron?

The most reported issues, based on recall data, involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (high-voltage battery overheating, onboard charging system overheating, rearview camera display failure) and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (improperly welded rotor and shaft). The single NHTSA complaint mentions a sunroof leak, categorized under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE.

Are there any fire risks with the 2020 Audi E-Tron?

Yes, there are two significant fire risks identified by recalls for the 2020 Audi E-Tron. One recall addresses certain high-voltage battery modules that may overheat, increasing the risk of fire. Another recall concerns the onboard charging system, where an overheated outlet or charging cable can also increase the risk of fire.

What recalls affect the 2020 Audi E-Tron?

The 2020 Audi E-Tron has four recalls: one for a rearview camera software error, one for high-voltage battery overheating, one for an onboard charging system overheating issue, and one for an improperly welded rotor and shaft in the service brakes that could lead to reduced braking assistance.

How does the 2020 Audi E-Tron perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Audi E-Tron performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection and 5 stars for both side crash and rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Audi E-Tron boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should ensure all four safety recalls, particularly those related to fire risk and braking, have been addressed by a dealership before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Audi E-Tron

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Audi E-Tron. The data includes 1 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Audi E-Tron an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

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.