This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Audi A4 electrical problems
moderate 89 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
89
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Audi A4 we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 89.
Owners have filed 89 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Audi A4's MMI infotainment system is rebooting spontaneously during driving, with the screen going black and the system requiring 10 seconds to several minutes to fully reload. Owners report reboots occurring multiple times per drive, sometimes every few minutes, and in extreme cases over 100 times in a single 2-hour trip. The issue escalated sharply in February 2025, though some owners experienced it sporadically before then.
When the system reboots, the backup camera and rear obstacle sensors become completely inoperative—a critical safety issue when reversing. Navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity disconnect without warning. Hands-free phone functions cease working. After each reboot, the system demands manual input: PIN entry, user profile selection, and multiple touchscreen taps to restore functionality, sometimes while the vehicle is in motion.
Owners consistently report their software versions as outdated (CL32, firmware 3243/3281 versus current CL35/3696). Audi has issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSB 2067021, 2076404, 2069112, 2078437/1) outlining software updates as the fix, and issued recall 22V742 for 2021-2022 models experiencing identical failures. However, Audi has not recalled 2020 models. Dealers either claim ignorance of the issue, charge $185-$370 diagnostic fees before attempting software updates, or propose costly hardware replacement ($1,000-$5,200) with no guarantee of success. Factory resets have not resolved the problem for any owner reporting here.
Failure modes owners describe
MMI spontaneous rebooting during driving
The MIB3 infotainment system (MMI) spontaneously reboots while the vehicle is in motion or at rest, with the screen going black and requiring 10 seconds to several minutes to fully reload. Reboots occur multiple times per drive, sometimes every few minutes or as frequently as every 2-5 minutes. The system requires manual user input to restore full functionality, including re-entering PINs, selecting user profiles, and tapping the touch screen. Some owners report over 100 reboots during a single 2-hour drive.
When: Primarily February-March 2025 onward; some reports from late 2024 and earlier 2025; escalating in frequency over time
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes black; System displays 'initializing' or loading message; Splash screen with Audi logo appears; Error prompts requiring PIN entry or user re-login; Message stating 'selected user has not been used for extended period of time'; System requires manual tapping/touch input to proceed through multiple screens; Audio cuts out (radio, phone calls, navigation voice); Delayed control response (2-3 second lag on volume and button inputs); USB music restarts from beginning of day rather than where it stopped
Codes mentioned: No OBD fault codes present in most cases despite dealer scans, Software version CL32 (firmware 3243 or 3281) identified as problematic, Latest version reported as CL35 or 3696
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers proposed hardware replacement (MMI console/5F module) at $1,000-$5,200 with no guarantee of success; one owner charged $185 for software update that did not resolve issue; one owner reported $370 diagnostic fee plus $670 for MMI console replacement without resolution; dealers often unwilling to apply TSB updates without diagnostic fees; factory reset has not resolved the issue for any reported owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 2067021 (MIB3 malfunctions); TSB 2069112 (MIB3 improvements); TSB 2076404 and TSB 2076404_3 (2025 update); TSB 2078437/1; Audi recall 22V742 (campaign 91DZ) issued for 2021-2022 models for similar digital display failures; no recall issued for 2020 models; Audi customer service directed owners to dealers; dealers claim no solution without hardware replacement; sequential software update process outlined in TSBs often not followed by dealers
Loss of backup camera and rear safety sensors during reboots
When the MMI reboots, the backup camera and rear obstacle/cross-traffic detection sensors become completely inoperative until the system fully reloads. This occurs unpredictably, including during active reversing maneuvers, creating a sudden loss of critical visibility. Owners report losing rear collision warning, proximity sensors, and cross-traffic alerts.
When: Coincides with MMI reboot events, primarily February 2025 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display goes black mid-reverse; Rear obstacle detection unavailable during reboot; Cross-traffic alert disabled; Rear collision warning system inoperative; Instrument panel safety alert tone triggered when camera fails; Complete loss of rear visuals and sensor data
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs reported; hardware replacement proposals (5F module at $4,000-$5,200) offered but not confirmed to resolve issue; software updates have not eliminated this symptom
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi aware of safety feature loss during reboots; no current solution provided; recall 22V742 for 2021-2022 models addressed similar rearview camera loss via software update
Loss of navigation and Apple CarPlay during reboots
Navigation systems and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity become unavailable during MMI reboots. Drivers lose turn-by-turn directions and must re-establish phone connectivity, creating distraction while driving. The system resumes not from the last known state but from a different checkpoint, causing disorientation.
When: Coincides with MMI reboot events, February 2025 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation maps disappear mid-drive; Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects; Turn-by-turn directions cease; Traffic alerts lost; System resumes from earlier checkpoint rather than current navigation point; Phone must be manually reconnected via touchscreen
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs reported; owners report missing turns due to navigation loss; one owner stated needing to make sudden driving maneuvers to correct course
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs acknowledge infotainment malfunctions; no specific remedy for navigation loss provided
Hands-free calling and SOS emergency system failure
Hands-free phone connectivity via Bluetooth becomes inoperative during reboots and in some cases ceases functioning altogether. The Emergency Call SOS system also reported as inoperative in separate complaint, unable to clear diagnostic error. System initiates calls or prevents hands-free use compliance with state distracted driving laws.
When: SOS system reported as inoperative since service action performed in 2022; hands-free calling loss concurrent with MMI reboot events February 2025 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Hands-free calling unavailable during reboots; Bluetooth connectivity lost; SOS Emergency Call system error warning appears on startup; SOS function completely inoperative; Error cannot be cleared per diagnostic scan
Repairs/costs cited: SOS module replacement was ordered under service action 90T2 in 2022 but part remained back-ordered as of November 2022 with no ETA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service action 90T2 issued for SOS module replacement; part availability issues created delays; no specific remedy for Bluetooth loss during reboots addressed in current TSBs
Driver distraction from required manual re-authentication
After each reboot, the system demands driver input—entering PINs, selecting user profiles, tapping through multiple prompts—while the vehicle is moving or parked. This forced interaction diverts driver attention from the road. Some instances require PIN entry immediately after reboot while vehicle is in motion.
When: During and immediately after each reboot event, February 2025 onward
Symptoms owners cite: PIN entry prompts appear; User profile selection screen requires input; Guest user selection needed; Multiple confirmation taps required on touchscreen; Prompts demand interaction while vehicle is in motion
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; factory reset does not prevent re-authentication requirement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs do not address mitigation of manual input requirements
Synthesized from 89 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
Emergency Call SOS module function is inoperative. Cannot use the SOS function and hands-free cell phone use through Bluetooth is also inoperative. Went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in Audi Service Action 90T2. I was told the repair is covered by the vehicle warranty. Part is still back-ordered (as of 11/25.2022) and no one can tell me when, or if, it…
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
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
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…
The entertainment system goes black every 5-10 minutes while driving
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Audi A4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2020 Audi A4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 89 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Audi/A4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.