2020 Audi A4 Electrical Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A permanent failure of the emergency call module control unit and communication unit. The affected vehicles will not be able to establish an online connection. NO GPS, bluetooth and system rebooting constantly.

NHTSA ID

11675203

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

While driving, the infotainment screen (MMI system) randomly reboots without warning. This happens frequently, often multiple times during a single trip. When it restarts, the screen goes black and temporarily disables important functions like the navigation, rear-view camera, audio, and vehicle settings. This poses a safety risk by distracting the driver and making it difficult to safely reverse or park. I brought the vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed the only solution is to replace the MMI system. However, I’ve seen many other Audi A4 owners online report the exact same issue. Given how widespread this appears to be, I believe this should be addressed as a manufacturer defect rather than a repair cost placed on the owner. There were no warning lights or messages before the screen began to fail.

NHTSA ID

11674920

Incident

May 23, 2025

The MMI system still reboots every 1-2 minutes while driving. When I am backing up, the camera screen and sensors stop working because the MMI reboots and shuts the screen off.

NHTSA ID

11674913

Incident

Jul 20, 2025

MMI repeatedly reboots during operation creating visual distraction. MMI system unavailable for monitoring/setting tire pressure and when rebooting makes reverse camera inaccessible. Also eliminates ability for phone to be paired to car for incoming calls or messages and eliminates ability for handsfree text, voice to text, and phone calls.

NHTSA ID

11674841

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

The MMI system continuously reboots - even while trying to back up using the backup camera making it dangerous. It can reboot 5 times in a 3 mile trip.

NHTSA ID

11674808

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

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. Restoring functionality requires user input to get through the loading screens. The issue started in February 2025. 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 (Jan/Feb 2025), and they all have similar software versions, and 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)

NHTSA ID

11674761

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system randomly reboots while driving, losing navigation (either onboard or via Apple CarPlay). This is dangerous. Dealer says they cannot read an error code, but if you do a simple google search, you can see it's a widespread problem.

NHTSA ID

11674757

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

Started with saying “checking remote access rights,” and then saying I (the key user) hadn’t been signed in for awhile and I needed to re-login. I was dealing with that but now it’s just randomly shutting off while I’m driving….. in a 30 min drive it does it at least once but as many as 4 times. If I’m using my maps from carplay, on a call or using my backup camera it just completely stops and reboots, which takes a min or two before it comes back up. Multiple times I’ve missed turns due to the map going out. It’s dangerous! Took it to the dealer for oil change and mentioned the issue… dealer acted as if it wasn’t a known issue, and said they could charge me the $300? diagnostic hourly rate to take the dash apart and diagnose (bc of course now it’s out of warranty). I called the Audi MMI tech support and they attempted to help me, had to open a ticket for level 2 escalation support…. I waited 3-4 days and then level 2 said they couldn’t help me and I needed to see the dealer. SO frustrating and have noticed SO many others with similar models and same year having the same issue on reddit. Here’s an example…. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11674673

Incident

May 1, 2025

The infotainment system (MMI) in my 2020 Audi A4, currently running software version 3243, frequently reboots on its own while driving. When this happens during reverse, the rearview camera shuts off and the screen goes black, eliminating all rear visibility and creating a significant safety hazard. Additionally, the reboot causes Apple CarPlay to disconnect mid-drive, resulting in loss of navigation, traffic alerts, and voice directions, which increases driver distraction and risk. The issue occurs without warning lights or error messages—the screen simply goes black and restarts in a few seconds to a few minutes. The problem began a few months ago and has become more frequent over time. While I have not yet had the issue inspected by a dealer, it is widely documented by other 2020 A4/A5.. owners and has been resolved in many cases by updating the MMI software to version 3696. Audi has issued related Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2078437/1), but no recall or service campaign has been announced. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that poses a safety risk and should be investigated. The affected components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11674670

Incident

Apr 1, 2025