This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Audi S4 electrical problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
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 S4 is affected by a pervasive MMI (multimedia interface) electrical failure that began intensifying around January–February 2025. The infotainment screen reboots spontaneously every 1–5 minutes while driving, with some owners reporting up to 5+ reboots per hour. The system goes dark, blacks out completely during reboot cycles that can last several minutes, and requires driver input (re-entering navigation, login info) to restore function. Factory resets and software updates do not stop the problem.
The reboots disable critical safety systems: the rear-view camera, parking sensors, obstacle detection, and blind-spot monitoring all go offline until the MMI finishes restarting. Navigation systems blank out mid-drive, forcing owners to re-enter destinations while operating the vehicle. Some owners report the radio turning on randomly at unpredictable volumes, and the screen cannot be powered off to stop the distraction—it automatically reboots even when manually shut down.
Separately, one owner reports multiple instrument-cluster (virtual cockpit) display failures and replacements starting in April 2024, with repeated blank-screen failures occurring even after dealer replacement units were installed.
A fourth cohort describes SOS module, GPS, Bluetooth, and hands-free calling failures. Audi's internal service action 90T2 for this issue is reportedly no longer available; replacement parts cost approximately $2,000 and face months-long backlogs.
Failure modes owners describe
MMI system spontaneous reboots
The main MMI (multimedia interface) screen goes dead and reboots repeatedly while driving, with reboots occurring every 1–5 minutes or multiple times per hour in some cases. The issue began or intensified around January–February 2025 in most reported cases. No fault codes appear in OBD scans. Owners report the problem persists after factory resets and software updates.
When: Started January–February 2025 for most; one owner reported it beginning infrequently (about once every two weeks) before escalating. One instrument-cluster case started in April 2024.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes black and reboots; Requires multiple minutes to complete reboot cycle; Reboots occur every 1–5 minutes while driving, or up to 5+ times per hour; Radio and stereo turn on randomly with unpredictable volume; Impossible to turn off the MMI screen—it auto-fails and reboots even when powered off
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted $5,000+ for hardware replacement. Factory resets do not resolve the issue. One owner paid for a software update that did not work. Another mentions Service Action 90T2 for a related SOS module issue (part on backorder for 6+ months at $2,000 cost).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, TSB 2069112, TSB 2078437/1 referenced by owners; Service Action 90T2 mentioned for SOS module. Audi dealer reportedly stopped offering internal service for the known SOS problem.
Loss of backup camera, parking sensors, and navigation during reboots
When the MMI system reboots, critical safety systems become unavailable: the rear-view camera, backup sensors, parking obstacle detection, and cross-traffic warning systems all disable until the system fully restarts and reloads. Navigation systems also go offline, requiring re-entry of destinations.
When: Occurs during each reboot event (January–February 2025 onward)
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera goes black mid-reverse or while in use; Rear obstacle and parking sensors go offline; Cross-traffic warning unavailable; Navigation goes blank and requires re-entry of destination; CarPlay navigation also affected and requires re-entry; Blind spot monitoring disabled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs specifically naming these safety-feature losses mentioned in narratives.
Instrument cluster/virtual cockpit display failures
The instrument cluster (virtual cockpit) screen goes blank or fails to boot on startup. One owner experienced multiple failures: initial failure at 29,687 miles in April 2024, replacement unit failed again at 33,655 miles and 42,532 miles, a second replacement failed within two days, and subsequent failures occurred at 52,673 miles. Pattern suggests replacements do not resolve the underlying issue.
When: Initial failure: April 2024 at 29,687 miles. Subsequent failures: July 2024 (33,655 mi), January 2025 (42,532 mi), February 2025 (43,841–43,965 mi), and August 2025 (52,673 mi).
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster screen black or blank on startup; Virtual cockpit fails to boot
Repairs/costs cited: Original cluster replaced 5/15/2024 at 29,923 miles. Second replacement unit replaced 2/10/2025 at 43,841 miles. Awaiting third replacement.
SOS module, GPS, Bluetooth, and hands-free system failures
The SOS module, GPS functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free calling all become inoperative. Audi reportedly had an internal service action (90T2) to address this but discontinued it. The required replacement part costs approximately $2,000 and is on backorder; owners report waits exceeding 6 months.
When: Ongoing; one owner reports 6+ months without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: SOS emergency calling unavailable; GPS non-functional; Bluetooth disconnected or non-operational; Hands-free calling unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement part cost approximately $2,000; part on backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Action 90T2 (internal Audi service action) was available but apparently discontinued; many owners unable to obtain the corrective service.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
My instrument cluster and its replacements have malfunctioned multiple times. The original instrument cluster/virtual cockpit failed to boot and had a black/blank screen on 4/19/2024 at 29,687 miles and was replaced on 5/15/2024 at 29,923 mi. That replacement one worked fine for a while and then did the same thing on 7/15/2024 at 33,655 miles and on 1/10/2025 at 42,532 miles. The instrument…
The Audi MMI malfunctions and reboots randomly while driving. Possibly being a software issue. There is a TSB code that the dealer used to reference for me ( TSB 2078437/1), but I cannot find it on the NHTSA website. The reboot issue shuts off all functions associated with it, including, but not limited to: navigation, rearview camera, and parking sensor use. This poses a risk since it can be…
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a persistent and dangerous issue with the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system in my 2020 Audi S4. Since February 2025, the system has been spontaneously rebooting both while the vehicle is idling and in motion. When this occurs, the screen goes black and critical safety systems such as the rearview camera, parking sensors, and navigation become…
The main infotainment system is stuck restarting every 1-2 minutes. When the car is put into reverse, the rear back up camera will turn off while the vehicle is in motion and not resume.
The MMI (multimedia interface) screen goes dead and reboots frequently (every 2-5 minutes) while driving. It is extremely frustrating and distracting. In addition, when the screen blacks out while driving in reverse, the backup camera, back up sensors and cross traffic warning systems do not operate until the system reboots, which can take several minutes. This problem occurs constantly…
The Multimedia Interface (MMI) Touchscreen Radio will constantly reboot while driving regardless of variables. Diagnosis’ have proven problem to be undeterminable, this is a serious safety concern as I have lost back up camera and other safety features while driving, while I await the system to reboot. This reboot has been occurring non-stop since January. My research online and in other forums…
My Audi has been having an ongoing issue with the MMI rebooting while i am driving. It takes away my ability to see the maps and or hear the map telling me which direction to go. It has not been inspected yet however it is a common issue with the 2020 Audi cars that can be replicated however it is not predictable.
The main screen of the vehicle, which is called the MMI from what I understand, repeatedly shuts down and restarts while driving, up to 5 times or more per hour while driving. Sometimes this process can take 3 or more minutes. There appear to be hundreds of Audi customers that this affects according to my research. The dealership (Audi of Nashua) charged for a possible software update repair that…
The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system plays a crucial role in enhancing safety features by providing a user-friendly interface for managing various driver assistance systems and safety-related functions. These include features like emergency calls, roadside assistance, and the integration of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance assist.
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. I have attempted a…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Audi S4?
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 S4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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/S4.
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.