This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Audi A5 electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Audi A5 have filed 41 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
What stands out
Owners have filed 41 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 information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the display of the Audi virtual cockpit is distorted due to a broken screen.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
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 A5 electrical system shows one dominant problem: the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) infotainment system reboots unexpectedly and repeatedly while driving. Owners report the screen goes black for 20–90 seconds, disabling backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, Bluetooth calling, and radio. Frequency varies wildly—some cars reboot every 2–5 minutes, others every 30 minutes to once per hour. The reboots happen with no warning, no error codes, and no identifiable trigger. When the system restarts, owners often must log in again and navigate prompts before functions resume.
A secondary electrical issue involves the telephone/microphone system: the driver's seatbelt-mounted microphone fails when the seatbelt is fastened, forcing owners to unbuckle or manually disconnect Bluetooth to take calls.
A third, less common complaint reports the virtual cockpit speedometer reverting to MPH when switched to km/h, showing only the analog readout correctly—a fault dealers confirm but say has no update.
One complaint describes a loud SOS/emergency-call warning alarm sounding every 2–4 minutes. Another mentions an SOS module failure requiring a $1,500+ repair that dealers say is now necessary as part of a software recall.
Owners cite Technical Service Bulletins and software recalls from Audi, but dealers tell them updates cost $350–$700 and may not resolve the issue. Some report issues began after dealer software updates. A few mention being told there is no fix available.
Failure modes owners describe
MMI System Spontaneous Reboots
The MMI infotainment and vehicle-control system reboots repeatedly and unexpectedly while driving, rendering the screen black and disabling integrated safety and infotainment functions.
When: Begins mid-2024 to mid-2025 for most; some report issues since purchase in 2020–2023. Frequency escalates over time. One complaint notes it started 'around mid-April 2025.' Another 'mid-July 2025.'
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes black, system unresponsive for 20–90 seconds; Backup camera disabled during reboot; Parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alerts disabled; Navigation/GPS disconnects or lost; Bluetooth phone connectivity interrupted or dropped mid-call; Radio cuts off; sometimes restarts at loud volume; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto disconnect; User login prompts appear after reboot, requiring driver input while driving; Rearview camera has sluggish activation after reboot; Occurs 2–8 times per 30-minute drive; some cars reboot every 2–5 minutes; others once per 30–60 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report performing software updates at owner expense ($350–$700). Multiple owners report the issue returns after updates. One dealer confirmed the issue is known but said there is no fix. Audi issued Technical Service Bulletins; some owners mention a recall letter received but dealers say parts unavailable or that additional modules (e.g., SOS module, ~$1,500) must be replaced for full resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued Technical Service Bulletins (per complaint #1). Audi USA sent recall letter for 'Infotainment System Software' (complaint #23). Some dealers cite TSBs but offer only paid software updates or module replacement. One dealership said recall was listed but then removed due to lack of available parts (complaint #14).
Driver Seatbelt Microphone Failure
The microphone in the driver's seatbelt, part of Audi's hands-free telephony system, fails to function when the seatbelt is fastened, preventing Bluetooth calling without manual disconnection or unbuckling.
When: Reported since 2020 (model year). Persistent issue for owners who purchased vehicle in 2023.
Symptoms owners cite: Microphone in driver's seatbelt does not pick up voice when seatbelt is buckled; Microphone works only when seatbelt is unbuckled; Roof-mounted microphone (under rearview mirror) also affected; Requires manual Bluetooth disconnection to answer incoming calls while belted; Forces driver to choose between safety (wearing seatbelt) and hands-free calling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested replacing the driver's safety belt but offered no assurance it would resolve the issue. Seatbelt itself shows no physical damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued Technical Service Bulletin on this issue (complaint #1). Issue known since 2020 model year.
Virtual Cockpit Speedometer Display Malfunction (km/h)
The Audi virtual cockpit speedometer fails to display vehicle speed in kilometers-per-hour digitally; when switched to km/h, the analog gauge shows correctly but the digital readout reverts to MPH after a brief moment.
When: Noticed shortly after taking delivery in September 2020.
Symptoms owners cite: Digital speedometer reverts to MPH within a second of switching to km/h display; Analog speedometer gauge correctly displays km/h; Mismatch creates confusion about actual vehicle speed; Occurs consistently and can be reproduced on demand
Repairs/costs cited: Two Audi service technicians confirmed the defect but stated Audi has no software update available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No update available per dealers.
SOS Emergency Call Module Alarm and System Malfunction
The SOS emergency call module or antenna fails, causing a loud audible alarm to sound repeatedly while driving and disabling Bluetooth hands-free functionality.
When: Reported as ongoing issue; one complaint mentions the alarm occurring every 2–4 minutes while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched, extremely loud SOS/emergency-call alarm sounds every 2–4 minutes while driving; Alarm is sudden and startling; creates significant driving distraction; Bluetooth connectivity disabled or impaired alongside alarm; Dashboard warning light: 'SOS EMERGENCY CALL FUNCTION MALFUNCTION' illuminates and remains on; Multiple reboots of MMI system also occur when this fault is present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed this as antenna failure requiring replacement, with estimates of $2,500. One complaint mentions SOS module replacement estimate of $1,500. Water ingress suspected as cause in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued a recall letter for this, but at least one dealer reported the recall was removed from the system due to lack of available parts from Audi. Dealer reported at least five other customers at that location had the same issue and no estimated parts arrival date.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
Audi USA sent me a recall letter/service action for Infotainment System Software. The system reboots and shuts down unexpectedly while driving. Took the car to a local Audi dealership and they informed me that they cannot repair the recall because they now want to change my SOS module in order for both to work. They are asking me to pay them $1,500 for that. Meanwhile they informed me that my SOS…
The blue tooth , gos, CarPlay and emergency sos not working. I looked online and there was a recall, but Audi is no longer honoring the recall to fix this issue.
Where I am currently living, speed is measured on the roads in km/h. My vehicle allows the speedometer digital display screen (Audi virtual cockpit) to be switched to display MPH or km/h. When working correctly, the speedometer should display the speed with digits and an analog simulation. The display works perfectly when in MPH, however when switching to km/h the analog simulation properly shows…
The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) randomly reboots and poses a safety hazard. Several times while reversing using my backup camera, the MMI has rebooted which causes the camera to go blank. This poses a risk to back up into an object or a person during this time. Also during this time, the Rear Cross Traffic Warning system is disabled until the system reboots. Also, while using navigation, the…
The MMI which controls back up and 360 cameras, parking sensors, collision avoidance system, navigation, bluetooth, radio, etc reboots randomly without warning. There is no predictability and I have not been able to identify a trigger. There is no warning indicator on the dash or MMI before it happens. When it reboots the screen goes black and all associated MMI functions become inoperable for…
Hello, I am writing today to inform you about the safety concerns I have over My Audis MMI issues. The MMI is the multi media infotainment which is operates my back up camera, proximity sensors and navigation. The MMI is stuck in a loop and reboots every 60 seconds. I was backing up and the MMI rebooted on me which abruptly stop streaming what was behind me, my neighbor was also backing up and…
The vehicle's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system is reportedly shutting down randomly while the vehicle is in operation. This issue occurs without warning and is intermittent, making it unpredictable. Observed Symptoms/Events: Complete Loss of MMI Functionality: The screen goes black, and all associated functions (navigation, radio, Bluetooth, vehicle settings, climate control interface, rearview…
Beginning in mid July 2025, the MMI system (screen in the center of the dashboard) reboots every 1-2 minutes. In addition to the large distraction this causes while driving, the constant rebooting disables the back-up camera, parking sensors, rear-cross traffic alerts, collision avoidance assist, navigation, as well as everything else that is controlled by the Audi MMI system.
Our 2020 Audi A5 experienced a module failure affecting SOS (Loud) audible alarm that sounds every 2-4 minutes when driving and also affects bluetooth connection for hands free phone. Told by Audi dealership there was a recall, then removed for this due to lack of available parts from Audi. This very loud alarm sounds every 2-4 minutes while driving and is variable so can easily scare…
2020 Audi A5 started randomly rebooting (MMI software) around mid April 2025, It happens I’d say every 5-20 minutes and it repeats all the time. The fact that Audi/VW won't cover the cost to update their buggy software is very frustrating. I have notified Audi USA about the issue and am awaiting a response if they will cover the labor cost @ Prestige Audi in Denver, CO
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Audi A5?
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 A5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 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/A5.
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.