NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi A4 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi A4 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 124 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi A4 achieved a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. This places the A4 in the Exceptional band for safety. Its strong crash-test performance across all components indicates a robust design, offering a compelling safety profile for consumers considering a used model.
The 2020 Audi A4 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 and a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi A4 ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 124 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi A4?
The 2020 Audi A4 achieved an exceptional Safety Index score of 90 out of 100, placing it in MotorCaliber's top performance band. This strong showing is largely attributable to its robust crash protection, which earned 65 of a possible 70 points, complemented by an avoidance technology score of 8.5 out of 10. The NHTSA overall crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars supports this assessment, with perfect 5-star scores for side impact and rollover resistance. The only area where the crash picture is not perfect is the frontal crash test, which received 4 out of 5 stars. This specific detail bears consideration for buyers prioritizing front-impact safety. The defect record component contributed 16.5 out of 20 points to the overall Index. This reflects three active recall campaigns affecting tires, seats, and rear suspension components, though these recalls span multiple Audi model ranges. A total of 124 unverified owner complaints have been registered, with 89 of these specifically alleging issues with the electrical system. This concentration of electrical complaints warrants attention as the 2020 A4 population ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi A4 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi A4 achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in several key areas. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance both earned 5 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk, at a notably low 10 percent, did not produce a dynamic tip in testing. However, the frontal crash rating for the A4 was 4 out of 5 stars, preventing a clean sweep of perfect scores across all categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14805
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Audi A4. One addresses a SEATS defect spanning 2017-2020 A4 sedans. A second involves TIRES on certain 2020-2021 Audi models. A third targets SUSPENSION rear axle assembly issues on select 2020-2021 Audi vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available campaign data.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi A4?
NHTSA has logged 124 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 A4. Alleged trouble areas include the Electrical System (89 reports), Unknown or Other issues (58), and Back Over Prevention systems (43). Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure each drew a smaller number of reported allegations.
124 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi A4?
Three recalls affect the 2020 Audi A4, making VIN verification before purchase a critical step. These campaigns address potential issues with the seats, tires, and rear suspension. Buyers should confirm completed remedy documentation with the seller for any unit under consideration.
- The 2020 A4 carries three open or previously issued NHTSA recall campaigns specifically touching seats, tires, and rear suspension components, making VIN-level recall verification essential for used-market buyers.
- NHTSA crash testing awarded this model year a 5-star overall rating, with side and rollover categories both reaching the maximum, while the frontal category scored 4 out of 5 stars.
- The electrical system is the single most-alleged problem area in the 124 unverified NHTSA complaints on file, accounting for 89 of those reports, a concentration that shoppers should factor into their pre-purchase inspection planning.
- Forward collision warning is standard equipment on this model year and lane departure warning is optional, a distinction that affects the avoidance technology sub-score and means not every 2020 A4 on the used market will carry the same active-safety feature set.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi A4 places
The 2020 Audi A4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi A4 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi A4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi A4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi A4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi A4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi A4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 124 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi A4. 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 A4 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 14805), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A4 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 36 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.