VehicleVerdict

2020 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median S4 year — the 2020 model ranks #7 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: driver assistance issues account for 41% of all reports (14 of 34), far ahead of electrical system at 14.

34

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted171 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 5 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints2000: 171 complaints2001: 92 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 37 complaints2005: 54 complaints2006: 37 complaints2007: 21 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 73 complaints2011: 34 complaints2012: 27 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 1 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 1 complaints
S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1441%
Electrical System1441%
Other515%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2020 Audi S4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V034000Tires & WheelsJanuary 26, 2022 · 31,058 units

Defect

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.

21V874000AirbagsNovember 10, 2021 · 208,332 units

Defect

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 remedy.

21V295000SuspensionApril 26, 2021 · 40,993 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SOS module. Audi had a service for the known problem internally (Service Action 90T2) then stopped it apparently but many of us still experiencing issues that were not able to get the part corrected. SOS, GPS, Bluetooth, all hands free does not work. 6 months plus of waiting for a $2k part on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 16, 2024

“My Audi has been having an ongoing issue with the MMI rebooting while i am driving. It takes away my ability to see the maps and or hear the map telling me which direction to go. It has not been inspected yet however it is a common issue with the 2020 Audi cars that can be replicated however it is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 17, 2025

“The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system plays a crucial role in enhancing safety features by providing a user-friendly interface for managing various driver assistance systems and safety-related functions. These include features like emergency calls, roadside assistance, and the integration of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 29, 2025

“Audi MMI (infotainment) frequently resets during use of car. Spoke to tech at audi and they confirmed this is an issue on many 2020 audi A4 and S4 vehicles. The blind spot monitors, parking sensors, and backup cameras all disabled when this happens. It can happen at any time.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 11, 2025

2020 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2020 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2020 model at #7 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (14 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2020 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi S4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S4 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2006, 2013, 2020, 2011, 2002. The cleanest record among S4 years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.