NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi A6 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi A6 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi A6 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it in the Strong band. That score reflects a genuine five-star overall NHTSA crash result and solid crash-protection marks, tempered by a defect record that accumulated nine recall campaigns over the life of this model year.
The 2020 Audi A6 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, 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 A6 ranks 68 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 68 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi A6?
The 2020 Audi A6 represents a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index rose five points to 83/100 from the 2019 model's 78/100, moving the vehicle out of the Average band and into Strong territory. That gain was driven primarily by crash-protection performance: the 2020 earned 65 of a possible 70 points in that category, anchored by the five-star overall NHTSA result. Avoidance technology contributed 7 of 10 points, reflecting standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though the absence of a standard lane departure warning system left points on the table. The defect record component scored 11 of 20, the weakest element of the index, and that score is consistent with nine recall campaigns touching this specific model year. The campaigns span a notably wide range of systems, from the backup camera and brake fluid to fuel-level sensing and tires, signaling that this generation required ongoing attention across multiple vehicle domains. The complaint picture, while modest in volume at 24 total unverified allegations, is concentrated heavily in the electrical system, which aligns with the recall pattern. The 2020 A6 is a strong performer on crash metrics but carries a defect history that used-market shoppers must evaluate carefully.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi A6 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi A6 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal protection earned four stars, side and rollover protection both received five stars. The vehicle demonstrated a low nine percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" designation in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15919
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover the 2020 A6. Components addressed include the back-over prevention camera system, hydraulic brake fluid, the electrical system (two separate campaigns), a fuel-level sending unit within the electrical system, and tires. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is documented in the data provided, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID23V601000
Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Reported 2023-08-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22V861000
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Reported 2022-11-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT22V155000
Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Reported 2022-03-14
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
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
AIR BAGS21V159000
Risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Reported 2021-03-10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20V274000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger air bag may not properly deploy and inflate, and small plastic parts may enter the cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panels, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70H6.
Reported 2020-05-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY20V153000
Risk: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge. The recall began by May 22, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 27H2.
Reported 2020-03-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi A6?
Twenty-four unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 A6. The electrical system dominates with seventeen reported complaints, followed by five involving forward collision avoidance, and smaller clusters alleging concerns with structure, back-over prevention, and steering. None of the reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi A6?
Nine recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 A6. Prospective owners should verify that all recall work has been completed. The electrical system and brake fluid recalls are particularly critical. An unaddressed recall on a vehicle of this age represents a significant safety concern.
- The Safety Index jumped five points year-over-year, from 78/100 on the 2019 model to 83/100 on the 2020, driven by strong NHTSA crash-test results including a five-star overall rating.
- Nine recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering the backup camera, hydraulic brake fluid, two distinct electrical system issues, a fuel-level sensor, and tires, an unusually broad spread of systems for a single model year.
- The frontal crash-test result of four stars is the one area where the 2020 A6 fell short of a perfect score, while side and rollover protection each achieved the maximum five stars.
- Of the 24 unverified consumer complaints on file with NHTSA, 17 allege electrical system problems, a concentration that mirrors the two separate electrical system recall campaigns and warrants targeted inspection on any used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi A6 places
The 2020 Audi A6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi A6 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi A6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi A6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 A6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi A6 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 8.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi A6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi A6. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A6 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 15919), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A6 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 68 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.