2020 Audi S5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2020 Audi S5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2020 Audi S5. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
25 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Electrical system · Unknown or other
MMI - Multi Media Interface constantly reboots about every 90 seconds. This is a safety issue since if I am backing up and the MMI reboots I lose the backup camera and when the MMI reboots I also lose collision/parking/proximity sensors. This issue started happening with my Audi on 7/26/25 and…
MMI - Multi Media Interface constantly reboots about every 90 seconds. This is a safety issue since if I am backing up and the MMI reboots I lose the backup camera and when the MMI reboots I also lose collision/parking/proximity sensors. This issue started happening with my Audi on 7/26/25 and can be reproduced every time the ignition is on or car is running. From doing a quick search on the internet this is a very common problem that just started happening within the last few months with a number of 2020 model Audi's.
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
The radio (mmi system) IS rebooting while driving every 5-10 min. Dealership can't fix and IS affecting safety sytems like front and rear cameras/sensors.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Unknown or other
I am writing to report a critical and recurring safety defect concerning the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system in my Audi S5. The MMI system consistently restarts itself approximately every 90 seconds, regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary (parking) or in motion (driving). This issue…
I am writing to report a critical and recurring safety defect concerning the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system in my Audi S5. The MMI system consistently restarts itself approximately every 90 seconds, regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary (parking) or in motion (driving). This issue presents a significant safety hazard because critical sensor information and vehicle status displays, which are shown on the infotainment screen, become unavailable during each restart cycle. During the 5-10 second period of the system restarting, the screen goes blank, and all related functions and visual aids, including parking sensor readouts, camera views (if active), and other driver assistance information, are completely inaccessible. The intermittent loss of these visual aids creates a hazardous situation, especially when maneuvering at low speeds, parking, or when relying on sensor alerts for proximity to other vehicles or obstacles. Even during normal driving, the sudden loss of the display is a distraction and removes vital information that a driver might rely on. This is particularly concerning as it affects features directly related to situational awareness and collision avoidance. The problem is persistent and has been occurring since July 2025. I have attemptedrestarting the car, checking for software updates. The issue remains unresolved and consistently compromises my ability to safely operate the vehicle.
- Back over prevention › Rearview system braking · Back over prevention › Warnings · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
Sudden reboot of the vehicle's infotainment system, which then repeats every 60-90 seconds consistently. The reboot has happened while reversing the vehicle, which results in losing view of the backup camera and parking sensors / rear cross traffic detection. This issue was originally sparse, but…
Sudden reboot of the vehicle's infotainment system, which then repeats every 60-90 seconds consistently. The reboot has happened while reversing the vehicle, which results in losing view of the backup camera and parking sensors / rear cross traffic detection. This issue was originally sparse, but after 7/14 manifests 100% of the time when using the vehicle. This represents a safety issue due to the loss of rear backup camera for 30+ seconds while the infotainment reboots. No warning lights appear, no inspections have been performed by the dealer or any others.
- Electrical system
Audi MMI reboots constantly while the car is one. There is about 30 seconds between each reboot. This causes certain safety features like the backup camera to stop working when in use. I am not sure what the cause is but this seems to be a more common issue with the 2020 Audi's.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
MMI system is failing, parking assist is malfunctioning, back up camera doesn’t activate, CarPlay turns off mid drive and reboots, navigation not working, car wants to brake at highway speeds as computer system malfunctions, Bluetooth phone connection drops mid call, overall the computer infotainment system has failed.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Unknown or other
Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: The infotainment system in my vehicle fails frequently and unpredictably. This includes both the built-in system and connected features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is available for inspection upon request. How Was Safety Put…
Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: The infotainment system in my vehicle fails frequently and unpredictably. This includes both the built-in system and connected features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is available for inspection upon request. How Was Safety Put at Risk: The failure of the infotainment system creates multiple serious safety hazards. First, it disables navigation features, which forces drivers who rely on GPS directions to pull out their phones while driving—causing distraction and increasing the risk of accidents. More critically, when the infotainment system shuts down, it also disables parking cameras, blind-spot cameras, and collision warning alerts—all of which rely on the infotainment screen to function properly. This loss of driver assistance features compromises visibility, awareness of surroundings, and response to potential collisions. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes, the issue has been reproduced and acknowledged by the dealership. However, no long-term solution has been provided, and the failure continues to occur despite software updates and attempted resets. ? Additionally, there are hundreds if not thousands of individual following TSB's and discussing potential remedies as the dealerships have no solution. The infotainment failure has been reported to the dealership (manufacturer's authorized service center), but the issue has not been inspected by law enforcement or insurance representatives at this time. No warning lights or messages typically appear prior to the failure. The system often shuts down suddenly while the vehicle is in use, without any forewarning.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Electrical system · Unknown or other
"The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. The reboots have affected other…
"The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. The reboots have affected other sensors/systems in the car like resetting my stored tire pressure values resulting in a TPMS malfunction warning and blocking use of the SOS call feature resulting in a SOS system malfunction warning. Restoring functionality after the reboots requires user input to get through the loading screens. It’s been happening since I purchased the car less than a week ago. I’m unsure of how long the previous owner dealt with this issue. Factory resets prescribed by the dealer do not resolve this issue. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the numerous reports found on user forums online, affecting the same model year vehicles (for multiple examples, refer to [XXX] ). It is also interesting that most of the users experiencing this issue, also report it starting around the same time (Jan/Feb 2025), and they all have similar software versions, and likely production dates. This should be considered a safety issue, as the reboots can happen in the middle of a reverse parking maneuver, and they render the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors completely inoperative until the system reloads. They also impact safety on the highway, as the reboots completely disable the navigation screens, and require multiple user input to restore, while driving. Relevant TSB numbers include: TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, TSB 2069112. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
Main computer, multi media interface, MMI constantly shuts off and disconnects from system. This renders all backup cameras, traffic sensors and impact avoidance sensors inoperative. It also stops speedometer
- Unknown or other
My vehicles MMI screen keeps rebooting every 90 seconds, this makes hands free calling, multimedia functions, cameras etc non functional while driving. I have an appt with the dealership next week, but I'm seeing a lot of negative experiences regarding Audi's acceptance of this flaw, leading to…
My vehicles MMI screen keeps rebooting every 90 seconds, this makes hands free calling, multimedia functions, cameras etc non functional while driving. I have an appt with the dealership next week, but I'm seeing a lot of negative experiences regarding Audi's acceptance of this flaw, leading to large expenses put on the owner. Safety concerns are low, but still exist, inability to use navigation, cameras and hands free calling is not ideal, but not overwhelmingly unsafe as other options exist. My car has not been inspected yet, appointment has been made with an Audi service center though. There were no warning lights or indicators of this failing, the multimedia interface screen simply blacks out and reboots every 90 seconds. (I timed them, it is precise)
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Electrical system · Unknown or other
The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. The last few days this issue has gone…
The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. The last few days this issue has gone from happening once or maybe twice a day to almost every single minute I am driving the vehicle. Completely unacceptable and dangerous! Restoring functionality requires user input to get through the loading screens. The issue started in mid 2024 and the vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership (06/25), who verified the concern and attempted a factory reset (which did not solve the issue), and they continue to claim there's nothing they can do since their OBD scans return no fault codes, even though there are numerous TSBs (filed with NHTSA) that point to available software updates that should be applied to address infotainment-related issues. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the numerous reports found on user forums online, affecting the same model year vehicles (for multiple examples, refer to [XXX] ). It is also interesting that most of the users experiencing this issue, also report it starting around the same time and they all have similar software versions, and likely production dates. This should be considered a safety issue, as the reboots can happen in the middle of a reverse parking maneuver, and they render the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors completely inoperative until the system reloads. They also impact safety on the highway, as the reboots completely disable the navigation screens, and require multiple user input to restore, while driving. Please Audi, do the right thing and fix this issue! Recall these vehicles! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system
I own a 2020 Audi S5. The central infotainment screen (MMI) has been randomly restarting while driving. At first, it only happened occasionally, but the issue has gotten significantly worse. It now restarts every 5 to 10 minutes during normal driving. When the screen reboots, I temporarily lose…
I own a 2020 Audi S5. The central infotainment screen (MMI) has been randomly restarting while driving. At first, it only happened occasionally, but the issue has gotten significantly worse. It now restarts every 5 to 10 minutes during normal driving. When the screen reboots, I temporarily lose access to important vehicle functions, including the backup camera, navigation, and audio controls. This creates a safety concern, especially when reversing or relying on the screen for directions or alerts. Audi has not provided a permanent solution, and I’ve seen others report similar issues online. This seems like a widespread defect affecting visibility and driver safety.
- Back over prevention › Rearview system braking · Back over prevention › Warnings · Lane departure › Blind spot detection
MMI or the center console screen is shutting down and rebooting during random intervals during driving and stopped. Causing the sensors to say there’s an error and not function. GPS, and volume control also go out.
- Unknown or other
For the past 6 months, I have experiencing Audi MMI reboots on every single drive. It is rather dangerous as if I am navigating using car navigation and suddenly lost connection to the route. I had few instances when I was backing up to a driveway or garage, the backup camera shuts down during…
For the past 6 months, I have experiencing Audi MMI reboots on every single drive. It is rather dangerous as if I am navigating using car navigation and suddenly lost connection to the route. I had few instances when I was backing up to a driveway or garage, the backup camera shuts down during backing as MMI needs reboot. There are many others online having the same issue. This is a safety issue which Audi needs to address at their own expense.
- Back over prevention › Rearview system braking · Back over prevention › Warnings · Electrical system
The MMI restarts constantly every day sometimes multiple times within minutes of each other. There is no correlation with other vehicle feature or functions that cause these restarts to happen and they are not in any specific pattern . When the MMI system reboots, the rearview camera and parking…
The MMI restarts constantly every day sometimes multiple times within minutes of each other. There is no correlation with other vehicle feature or functions that cause these restarts to happen and they are not in any specific pattern . When the MMI system reboots, the rearview camera and parking sensor display go dark, making parking and reversing unsafe, which directly impacts the functionality of the Parking Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning systems.
- Electrical system
The mmi system reboots randomly throughout nearly every drive. This has happened when backing up causing a loss of access to backup cameras and sensors making me stop in the middle of the road.
- Unknown or other
The MMI entertainment system completely reboots several times on a 10-15 minute drives this causes me to lose all visibility into my clusters, maps, GPS, and much more. This problem has been replicated by my local dealership with no solution to the issues. There are many others online with the same exact problem, and have yet to be given a solution. There is no warning to this issue happening as it's very random.
- Unknown or other
MMI keeps rebooting while driving, even during reverse. Happens randomly every 20 minutes.
- Electrical system
The MMI system will turn off, and reset, while driving. this occurs constantly, starting about two months ago. This causes the screen to go blank, and today I almost ran over a pedestrian as the system stopped while backing up. Luckily, I stopped, but was in cross traffic, and was not an ideal…
The MMI system will turn off, and reset, while driving. this occurs constantly, starting about two months ago. This causes the screen to go blank, and today I almost ran over a pedestrian as the system stopped while backing up. Luckily, I stopped, but was in cross traffic, and was not an ideal situation. This occurs, and I've tried using as a guest, instead of the user, and the same result occurs with the screen going blank while driving and the MMI system reboots.
- Back over prevention › Rearview system braking · Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
Regularly my MMI will restart, screen goes blank, comes back and says I'm not the registered user. Then bluetooth won't work and I get park aid errors and no rear cross traffic or anything. Happens at least 2 times each way to and from work ( 45min ). I usually have to hard reset it twice to get things normal and an ignition cycle to get park aid back.
- Electrical system
My 2020 S5 started randomly rebooting the MMI computer that controls all vehicle safety control features. The dealer claimed it was a software glitch caused by an update. They provided a software patch as a solution, but it continues to fail. The dealer says it's on Audi and there's nothing they can do, as the update/fix is corrupt. Audi is not being responsive, and this is an issue impacting many Audi vehicles.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Unknown or other
Audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. Following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the road.
- Unknown or other
This vehicle has a failed SOS module, which breaks hands free Bluetooth/emergency calling, which is a safety concern. This also breaks parts of the MMI system that were purchased but now do not function as designed. Audi of America does not seem to take this issue very seriously, as there was a…
This vehicle has a failed SOS module, which breaks hands free Bluetooth/emergency calling, which is a safety concern. This also breaks parts of the MMI system that were purchased but now do not function as designed. Audi of America does not seem to take this issue very seriously, as there was a recall but it was cancelled, yet there are still thousands of vehicles affected. I have spoken to several people with same make/model/year vehicle as mine and they have the same exact symptoms. AoA has not seemingly corrected supply chain issues with this defective part. I have been waiting 2+ months for a fix, with little to no timeframe of resolution since purchasing the vehicle. I feel that AoA needs to make more of a good-faith effort for this problem, due to length of resolution.
- Unknown or other
SOS, Bluetooth hands free are all failing to operate
- Electrical system
The Emergency Call Module Control Unit has now failed for the second time. If the vehicle were to be involved in a crash, the system will not be able to automatically call for assistance. Vehicle is already subject to Audi service campaign 90T2 to reflash emergency call module control unit…
The Emergency Call Module Control Unit has now failed for the second time. If the vehicle were to be involved in a crash, the system will not be able to automatically call for assistance. Vehicle is already subject to Audi service campaign 90T2 to reflash emergency call module control unit, however the unit in my vehicle could not be flashed due to it having intermittent errors. The local Audi dealer is stating the next available appointment to diagnose the issue is in three months. After diagnosis there may be a longer wait to obtain required parts. It is dangerous for a safety critical part like this to be out of action for at least 3 months. Audi should place a higher priority on repairing this issue.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011305This bulletin provides information when the camera for the Driver Assist Systems is coded incorrectly.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011274This bulletin provides information when the restricted function icon for Audi Pre sense is displayed after engine starts.
- 11011270This bulletin provides informatoin when Audi pre sense restricted message appears in the instrument cluster, no DTCs.
- 11011263This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass.
- 11011257This bulletin provides information when creaking noises are heard when body twists during braking or steering maneuvers.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11011239This bulletin advises that fuel additives are not permitted.
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009967This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging not working with Audi Phone Box.
- 11009965This bulletin provides information when the calendar function is not available.
- 11009959This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians enter a record in the PSS Database when there is an Audi connect installation error.
- 11009948This bulletin provides information when there is noise from the backrest of the front seat.
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009938This bulletin provides information when there are droning noises/vibrations in tight corners, vehicles with PR number GH4 (quattro with ultra technology).
- 11009936This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009927This bulletin provides information when oil is lost from the filler cap.
- 11009920This bulletin states that the use of fuel additives is not permitted.
- 11009390This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians enter a record in the PSS Database when there is an Audi connect installation error.
- 11009387This bulletin provides information when there is an SOS Malfunction with ConBox Low, "Emergency call function: fault", (DTC U142100, U153E00).
- 11009385This bulletin provides information about ordering ConBox Low replacement parts; applies to any customer complaint, or DTC, including SOS malfunction.
- 11009380This bulletin provides information about the Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt and/or brake engagement.
- 11009377This bulletin provides information when the audi virtual cockpit display has semi-circular marks on the edges of the display.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009372This bulletin provides informaiton when the exterior black optic trim is discolored.
- 11009365This bulletin provides information when there is visible corrosion at the joint between the roof and roof side member.
- 11009363This bulletin provides informatin when there is a squeaking noise from the rubber boot of the intermediate steering shaft.
- 11009362This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009361This bulletin provides information regarding steering wheel visual damage.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009354This bulletin provides information on frequency analysis.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009343This bulletin provides information when DTC B2200FF is stored in the J775.
- 11009339This bulletin provides information parameter settings for suspension control unit J775.
Every Audi S5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.