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2020 Audi A4: common problems and reliability
· 2015-2025One of the worst A4 years.
One of the Audi A4 years to avoid. All A4 years
284 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 A4?The 2020 Audi A4 has 284 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and back over prevention. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 500 miles or per week): many owners report burning oil rapidly, with one spending $3,500 on camshaft replacement with only partial improvement.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Audi A4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A4 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the A4?
Across the 28 A4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 673 (2007). With 284 complaints, the 2020 A4 sits above the model's median of 110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 A4
tires
Campaign 22V034000Volkswagen 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.
suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Campaign 21V295000Volkswagen 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.
seats
Campaign 21V874000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 2015-2025 A4
Owners of the 2015-2025 Audi A4 express a deeply divided sentiment. Many praise the car as fun to drive, comfortable, and reliable when properly maintained, with several reporting trouble-free ownership up to 110,000 miles or more.
- Very frequentExcessive oil consumption (1 quart per 500 miles or per week)
Many owners report burning oil rapidly, with one spending $3,500 on camshaft replacement with only partial improvement.
- RecurrentCatastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement
Multiple owners report the engine "offing itself" around 100,000-110,000 miles, with one needing a new engine and another reporting an exhaust valve failure.
- RecurrentTiming chain tensioner failure
Owners mention timing chain replacement as a common high-mileage necessity, with one reporting failure at 180,000 km.
- RecurrentTurbo failure
Multiple owners report turbocharger failure, with one quoting $800 labor for replacement.
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
Listed as a proactive replacement item around 120,000-160,000 km.
Owner insights for the 2015-2025 A4. Read the full 2015-2025 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A4 listings typically run $12,444–$21,675 across 2007 to 2024 model years.
Other A4 model years
Compare every A4 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A4 against its rivals
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