2020 Audi A4 Owner Complaints

My 2020 Audi A4 has an open safety recall campaign. Audi Corporate and my local dealership are formally refusing to perform the recall remedy unless I pay over $2,000 out-of-pocket to replace a broken J949 SOS Telematics Module. The manufacturer claims the module is separate from the recall, but its total failure physically blocks their diagnostic tools from applying the mandatory safety update. Conditioning a federal safety recall on a customer-paid repair violates recall compliance regulations, and has left my automatic emergency crash reporting and vehicle communication systems completely disabled.

NHTSA ID

11756511

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message SOS module no longer connected was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle failed to shut off. The contact believed that the failure was a safety issue due to the loss of communication, including the hands-free features, mobile phone connectivity, and the regular safety features failing to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the communication module failure was the same as the SOS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ID

11756226

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

54,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Audi A4. The contact stated that the emergency-call/communication system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under TSB: 91-20-29; however, the software update was unsuccessful due to the module. The dealer informed the contact that the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure prior to the vehicle being taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11755871

Incident

Jun 28, 2026

Mileage

26,000 mi

A metal bracket on the back left side of the driver seat snapped suddenly while driving straight and at a constant speed. Since this part is broken the seat is no longer connected to the track in that corner. The car is drivable for me because I am tall and sit with the seat at its lowest height setting. When turning or breaking quickly the seat moves, and it would obviously be a safety issue if I get into an accident. If the seat is adjusted higher it is not supported in that corner and it leans back. Yesterday I dropped it off at the dealer service center and they said it is the seat frame. I have not heard back from them yet. I am the first owner of this car, and it has not been in any serious accidents (I hit a deer once roughly 2 years ago). I am not unusually heavy.

NHTSA ID

11733679

Incident

Aug 16, 2025

Since I purchase my vehicle I have had to continuously replace my tires on the front. Going through my carfax acct I came across some recalls that showed up that I had no idea of the car may had which was prior to purchase from the dealers. I would think that these issues were fixed prior to reselling. I recently had to pull over on the freeway due to the tire making noises then realized that the tire wear was uneven again but this time shredded apart. I could feel metal poking out which the tires hadn’t been on for long. The loss pressure warning light went off. I later found the missing tire that has came off wrapped around the rotor which the tire shop near me hadn’t seen while replacing with new tires again. The wear on the brake pads were off as well as the rotors which I also ended up having to replace just recently. I’ve made an appointment with a dealer which is out of my way to hopefully have this resolved but needed to make a report of this safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11728966

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

MMI module keeps resetting. This causes sudden lost of navigation display and sudden lost of backup camera when reset happens while backing up. Release version: MHI3_US_AUG45S_P3243 Software version: 3243

NHTSA ID

11679554

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Many times while driving the Audi MMI system which controls all radio/navigation/controls screen will completely shut off and reboot, leaving the screen blank and functionality gone. When researching online many others have reported the same issue, with Audi unable to provide a definitive cause or a fix for the issue. This is a safety issue as it could cause distraction while driving

NHTSA ID

11678974

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Audi MMI system randomly goes dark and reboots during driving - this turns off the rear camera and any GPS system being used to navigate along with the sound system, etc.

NHTSA ID

11678028

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

The entertainment system goes black every 5-10 minutes while driving

NHTSA ID

11676818

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

My 2020 Audi A4 infotainment MMI keeps rebooting and takes over a minute or so to load back. This has been happening recently and i have rebooted the system and followed the Audi/reddit forums to seek any help but no resolution. It seems most of the 2020 Audis are facing similar issues. This issue is concerning and needs immediate attention since I have had instances where i lost backup camera while backing. Losing Navigation Capabilities or backup camera feature while backing up or driving has jeopardized me couple of times since i had to fumble and hit brakes as i was almost handicap momentarily. Audi is aware of this issue and have had issued TSB in 2020 which is attached here, but no recall was ever conducted which they should as this now an industry wide problem. Also, i got to know that S they have issued a 2021 MMI recall affecting over 44k Cars but not 2020, which is very surprising. Based on forums and other users it seems the Firmware version 3243 need an overhaul or even MMI module replacement if firmware update doesn't fix the issue. Request the authority to investigate this known issue for 2020 car line with similar intensity as this a widespread safety hazard. MMIs usually incorporate other modules as well so there is risk for ADAS failures or parking aids. Below is link to some on-going issues Audi 2020 users are facing [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11676623

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

The MMI system crashes and reboots after about 90 seconds. This affects all parking and collision sensors.

NHTSA ID

11676422

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Multimedia Infotainment system spontaneously reboots causing loss of cameras andcollision avoidance features and requires the driver to re-enter log-in information such as PIN #'s. This is a known software fault that should likely be elevated to recall status.

NHTSA ID

11676397

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot every 2 minutes. This is incredibly dangerous as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. It has happened while I have been backing up and backup camera has rebooted during backup. Parking Collision has also malfunctioned multiple times - but primary issue is the MMI rebooting even while driving on the freeway.

NHTSA ID

11676376

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

The MMI system, which is the display in the car, keeps rebooting every few minutes. It is extremely distracting while driving. Also during parking or back up the parking assistance and backup camera would suddenly disappear because the system reboots. The rear cross traffic warning stops working during reboot as well.

NHTSA ID

11676330

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

Starting in Feb 2025 my MMI will randomly turn off and eventually turn back on randomly. This happens 10 times in 10min. I can’t drive the car due to it being unsafe. It turns maps off, music, calls, and the dashboard. I’ve found 100’s of other Audi 2020 owners having the exact same issue. The complaints and asking for advice are in a site called Audi world. Type in a4 2020 MMI reboot and you’ll see that it started at the same time for all of us. Around Feb. the dealership scanned and nothing came up, they updated and it hasn’t fixed it. They said they don’t know what’s wrong. Called Audi they said the same. Getting the run around. They did offer to look at it for probably $2000 and said they can’t guarantee they’ll be able to fix it. Please make a recall. Started in Feb and is still occurring. Today it restarted 7 times while idle. Doesn’t matter what you do with or without phone. It turns off then eventually back on.

NHTSA ID

11676240

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

I have started experiencing issues with the MMI (infotainment system) system rebooting every few minutes. It was very sporadic at first, but now it is at the point where I frequently don't have time to get into the system before it starts the reboot cycle again. When this happens, the screen will go blank for several seconds. Then a message will show for several seconds saying that the system is loading. The system will then try to guide me through several prompts to try to log back into the car's MMI system. Even if I choose "Guest User" I am shown multiple prompts before I get into the system and can use the functions located in the MMI. This can and does happen while driving, while parked, and while backing up. This reboot sequence makes all of the safety features, including collision avoidance and the backup camera inaccessible during this time. Sometimes, the system reboots before I have time to even back out of my driveway. Frequently, I don't have time to sign in or work through the prompts to get to the working system before it starts rebooting again. This issue started in February, 2025, but it was infrequent then. Over the past month, the issue has been persistent with the system rebooting every 5 minutes or less. This is very distracting while trying to drive and takes the driver's attention away from driving. As stated before, it also makes the safety features of the vehicle inaccessible - such as collision avoidance and backup camera.

NHTSA ID

11676124

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

MMI Constant Rebooting - Follow up My 2020 Audi A4 Quattro's MMI system constantly reboots (~60 seconds), causing the screen to go black/blank. Component Failed: MIB3 infotainment software. This persistent issue leads to reboots and loss of digital display. System available for inspection. Safety Risk: Significant, recurring hazard. Critical safety features are inoperative for ~1 min during reboots, including: Rearview camera (backing/parking safety) Navigation Communication No manual bypass exists; driver loses vital visual information Problem Confirmation: Consistently reproducible. Dealer proposed costly hardware replacement with no guarantee, contradicting manufacturer guidelines for known software issues. Symptoms: continuous black screen, Audi splash, then re-initialization. Problem worsened over weeks. Manufacturer's Knowledge: Extensive owner research (AudiWorld, Reddit) confirms this as a widespread, documented MIB3 software defect for 2020 Audi A4/A5 models. Audi's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) address this: TSB 2069112 (MIB3 improvements) TSB 2067021 (MIB3 malfunctions) These TSBs outline a specific, sequential software update process (e.g., older versions need TSB 2067021 first for TSB 2069112). Other owners successfully resolved rebooting with these updates. This malfunction is analogous to other Audi MIB3 software instabilities, as evidenced by NHTSA Recall Number 22V742 (Audi Campaign Code 91DZ). This recall for 2021-2022 Audi models addresses similar digital display/infotainment failures (e.g., rearview camera loss) via a no-cost software update. This demonstrates Audi's awareness of systemic MIB3 software issues impairing safety. I urge NHTSA to investigate this widespread 2020 Audi A4 issue and compel Audi to issue a recall for a no-cost software update (per TSBs) to all affected owners. More detailed documentation, including dealer records and owner videos, is available upon request as there is limited space to detail here.

NHTSA ID

11676085

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

MMI screen keep turning on and off every minute. This MMI is a brain of audi which controls cameras, sensor for brake and collision, parking assistance, etc. This MMI malfunction has been a big issue and none of the dealer had a permanent solution for the fault. As this MMI function begin to get worse, it could shut off the remaining functions as odometer, speed meter.

NHTSA ID

11675978

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

Vehicles MMI constantly cycling through reboot - inordinate amount of previous complaints about this exact issue - Dealer advised a min $1040 ($370 to diagnose + $670 new MMI) to diagnose and change MMI console with NO guarantee it will work and that's because: the dealer has not updated MIB2 (aka the MMI) using the instructions on a different bulletin, titled "TSB 2067021 - 91 MIB3: Garage opener/SXM/Online Radio or other malfunctions B129B11, B129C22, B123B13, B123C13, U044700 or B200000" (latest version is from July 27, 2024, they've had 6 revisions), before applying the most recent update. So it looks like, at a minimum, I'm two updates behind (encompassing of course, a ton of intermediate versions). So right there, the dealerships have been failing by not even taking the time to read Audi's own TSBs. The dealership said: they have seen this before and they have seen many leave without resolve May I please be placed on the list of VINs that when all complaints are proven to be true and a recall is issued, I can partake in the MMI update? It truly is dangerous as the entire console shuts down, meaning cameras and system are not available for viewing protection (the minimum safety precautions expected with cameras, etc) Audi needs to recognize this is a widespread issue. It appears that they are picky with who they provide updates to and who they ignore as some owners received an update and while their MMI doesn't function 100%, it doesn't cycle through reboot every 60 seconds.

NHTSA ID

11675970

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Vehicle's MMI started rebooting spontaneously from 4th week of June 2025. It happens randomly during drive and while following GPS directions. I strongly believe this being a software glitch and occurring without codes, it is a safety issue. These reboots are very unpredictable and happens constantly. When reported to Audi Dealers, they don't have a solution for it. After reviewing many blogs, and so many drivers are having this particular issue, I have decided to report it to NHTSA. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11675958

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

The Audi MMI screen has started shutting off and rebooting then giving errors when trying to reboot. Caused a problem while we were using vehicle navigation in NYC and also lost backup guidance when parallel parking. Also dangerous in that it distracts driver with error messages. This started about two months ago once or twice a day but now happens every 2 to 5 minutes.

NHTSA ID

11675619

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

I had experienced this problem prior of the center screen/Mimi restarting but typically it used to not be very often maybe once every few weeks. But for the past week it has been happening every 30 seconds to a min. This has caused my backup camera to restart as I am backing up causing me to almost get in an accident. As well as that as I am driving I am constantly having to focus on fixing the MMI and shutting off the volume as whenever it turns back on it plays radio static. I am very disappointed in the way Audi has handled this as I am still below 50,000 miles and they refuse to help. This problem is very frustrating as they don’t even have a 100% fix. Their first option was $598 update which I believe is very unfair considering this only happens to select cars and it’s not like this is an extra feature you’re paying for. The second option they gave was a $5,000 module replacement which is just unbelievable considering this has nothing to do with user fault but rather poor manufacturing. This whole situation is outrageous as I see many other individuals with the same problems and no solutions.

NHTSA ID

11675573

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

The MMI randomly turns of or turns on.

NHTSA ID

11675498

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

The MMI (display/menu) continuously reboots every few minutes, which disrupts GPS navigation and back-up camera. This causes distraction and poses a safety risk while driving. This is a common problem among similar Audi software users but has not been addressed by the dealership. No other warnings appear, it will prompt me to re-log in after each reboot.

NHTSA ID

11675321

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

Audi MMI (computer that controls radio, backup cameras and sensors) is rebooting constantly without warning. When this occurs and the driver is in reverse, the camera shuts down, as do the backup related safety systems, collision warning, rear cross traffic etc.

NHTSA ID

11675268

Incident

Jul 1, 2025