NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi A3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi A3 scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi A3 achieved a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA. This strong performance, combined with standard forward collision warning, contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing the vehicle in our Strong safety band. Prospective buyers of this model year should be aware of three active recall campaigns that necessitate verification.
The 2020 Audi A3 4 DR AWD received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, based on NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi A3 ranks 59 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 59 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi A3?
The 2020 model year represents a measurable step forward for the A3 in MotorCaliber's scoring framework. The Safety Index rose four points to 86/100 from the 2019 model's 82/100, both within the Strong band but with 2020 sitting noticeably higher. The gain is anchored by a crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, consistent with the NHTSA five-star overall result. The avoidance technology sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning remains optional rather than standard, which is a gap worth noting. The defect record sub-score of 16.5 out of 20 is where the three recall campaigns leave their mark. The air bag occupant classification recall is the most consequential of the three because a miscalibrated sensor can affect whether a front passenger air bag deploys with appropriate force in a crash. For a vehicle now circulating in the used market, that recall history is the most important safety data point this page can surface.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi A3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi A3 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with an additional five-star score in side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each received four out of a possible five stars. The rollover risk for the A3 is calculated at 11 percent; the vehicle did not tip in dynamic testing, indicating a robust performance in that specific evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14803
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses the fuel system on certain front-wheel-drive 2015-2020 A3 Sedans. The second involves tire pressure monitoring systems. The third, and most safety-critical, targets the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor across 2015-2020 A3 Sedans. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided data, but the air bag sensor recall warrants prompt VIN verification.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24V110000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously
Reported 2024-02-14
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER21V198000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Reported 2021-03-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi A3?
Sixteen owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 A3, including one reported crash. These are unverified consumer allegations. Air bags account for nine of the sixteen reports, making them the dominant concern by a wide margin, followed by two alleged powertrain issues and two categorized as unknown or other.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi A3?
Three recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Audi A3, and prospective owners should verify that all necessary repairs have been performed. Of particular note is the campaign addressing the air bag occupant classification sensor, a critical component for occupant safety. All remedies for open recalls are typically completed by an authorized dealer at no cost to the vehicle owner.
- The 2020 A3 Safety Index of 86/100 is four points higher than the 2019 model year's 82/100, a year-over-year improvement within the same Strong band that reflects stronger crash protection scoring.
- An active NHTSA recall targets the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor on 2015-2020 A3 Sedans, meaning a sensor fault could affect air bag deployment behavior in a frontal crash.
- Nine of sixteen owner-reported NHTSA complaints for this model year allege air bag-related issues, a concentration that aligns directly with the occupant classification sensor recall campaign and should be treated as unverified but noteworthy.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on this model year, meaning not every 2020 A3 on the used market will carry that avoidance feature, and buyers should confirm the specific vehicle's equipment before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi A3 places
The 2020 Audi A3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi A3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi A3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi A3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi A3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi A3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi A3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi A3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14803), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A3 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 59 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.