YearToAvoid

2020 Audi A5 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA has logged 41 electrical system complaints for the 2020 Audi A5, making up 68% of the model year's 60 total complaints. A related recall (20V737000) covers a rear light wiring harness issue, but most complaints describe MMI infotainment reboots, not that recall.

Electrical System complaints
41
68% of 60
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
—
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • MMI infotainment screen randomly reboots or goes black while driving, sometimes multiple times in a single drive.
  • When the MMI system reboots, the backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, and phone connectivity go offline until the system restarts.
  • Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connections drop out during reboots, interrupting music and navigation.
  • Some owners report a loud SOS alarm module failure that sounds repeatedly while driving and interferes with hands-free calling.
  • Owners report the reboot issue distracts the driver, especially when it occurs while reversing or during highway driving.

When 2020 Audi A5 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 3, 2021, latest Oct 18, 2025.

2020 Audi A5 electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month21Sep 2021Jul 2022Sep 2023May 2025Jun 2025Jul 2025Aug 2025Oct 2025
41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Oct 2025; peak Jul 2025 (21).

Electrical System recalls for the 2020 Audi A5

  1. NHTSA 20V737000Nov 25, 2020Electrical System5,426 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:tail lights

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Electrical System complaints by A5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20101 (3%)
  2. 20110 (0%)
  3. 20122 (9%)
  4. 20139 (26%)
  5. 20147 (25%)
  6. 20151 (13%)
  7. 20161 (14%)
  8. 20170 (0%)
  9. 20185 (13%)
  10. 20192 (17%)
  11. 202041 (68%)
  12. 20212 (25%)
  13. 20220 (0%)
  14. 20230 (0%)
  15. 20245 (63%)
  16. 20252 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Audi A5?
NHTSA lists 41 electrical system complaints for the 2020 Audi A5, which is 68% of the 60 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Audi A5 electrical system?
Yes, recall 20V737000 covers 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback vehicles where the rear light wiring harness could be missing anti-abrasion protection. This recall does not address the MMI reboot issue described in most complaints.
What is the main electrical complaint on the 2020 Audi A5?
Most complaints describe the MMI infotainment system randomly rebooting while driving, which also disables the backup camera, navigation, and phone connectivity.
Do 2020 Audi A5 electrical problems involve crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the electrical system complaints for the 2020 Audi A5.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.