MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Audi A4

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Audi A4

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
124Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI A4

The Audi A4 is a compact luxury sedan that has anchored the entry-level premium segment for decades, competing against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Aimed at professional buyers who want a refined, driver-focused daily vehicle with genuine prestige, the 2019 to 2025 A4 generation brings German engineering sensibility to a segment where safety expectations run high.

VERDICT

The 2020 Audi A4 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the A4 for its polished, composed driving character and upscale interior quality, positioning it as one of the more refined and driver-satisfying options in the compact luxury sedan segment. Most find it a well-rounded choice, though some note that rivals have closed the gap in technology features and interior space in recent years.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14805

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record16.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

TIRES22V034000

Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Reported 2022-01-26

SEATS21V874000

Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Reported 2021-11-10

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000

Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Reported 2021-04-26

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

124 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 89Unknown Or Other 58Back Over Prevention 43Forward Collision Avoidance 9Lane Departure 6Suspension 2

Other A4 years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14805), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi A4 2020. Class rank 36 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure