NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi A7 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi A7 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 8 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi A7 carries a perfect crash-protection sub-score. This strong performance in impact scenarios, particularly its five-star side-impact rating, contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band. However, the ownership experience is tempered by a notable recall history, with eight separate campaigns initiated over its lifespan.
The 2020 Audi A7 (with rear seat SABs, four-door AWD) holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 and a five-star NHTSA side-crash rating, sourced from 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 A7 ranks 45 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi A7?
The 2020 Audi A7 registers a Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong band, though no prior-year data is available for direct comparison. The primary contributor to this strong performance is its crash protection sub-score, which achieved a perfect 70 out of 70. This was heavily influenced by the five-star NHTSA side-crash rating awarded to the four-door AWD variant equipped with rear-seat side airbags. Crash avoidance technology secured 7 out of 10 points. This reflects the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, the absence of standard lane departure warning prevented this sub-score from reaching its maximum potential. The most notable area of concern for this model year is its defect record, which earned 12 out of 20 points. Eight distinct recall campaigns have been issued. These address a range of critical systems: the backup camera sensing system, hydraulic brake fluid, two separate electrical system issues, a fuel-level sending unit, and tires. This broad scope across multiple safety-relevant components is the defining characteristic of the 2020 A7's safety profile and directly accounts for its sub-optimal defect record sub-score. Owner complaints remain low, with only two unverified allegations, both pertaining to the electrical system, which aligns with the observed electrical system recall activity.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi A7 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Audi A7 (with rear seat side air bags, four-door AWD) a five-star side-crash rating, the program's top mark. Overall, frontal, and rollover ratings are not rated by NHTSA, meaning no score exists for those categories. The side result is the only star figure available and should not be extrapolated to the untested categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15920
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover the 2020 A7. Named components include back-over prevention camera sensing systems, hydraulic brake fluid, two separate electrical system faults, a fuel-level sending unit, and tires. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy status for all eight campaigns by VIN at NHTSA 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi A7?
NHTSA has received two owner complaints for the 2020 Audi A7, both involving the electrical system. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been independently confirmed. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the complaint record.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi A7?
Eight recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Audi A7, a significant number for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used Audi A7 from 2020 should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool before purchase. All eight campaigns must be individually checked for remedy completion status, as unfinished repairs transfer with the vehicle and remain the owner's responsibility.
- The 2020 A7's perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 is the primary driver of its 89 Safety Index, anchored by the five-star NHTSA side-crash result for the rear-seat-SAB AWD configuration.
- Eight recall campaigns specific to or inclusive of the 2020 model year cover safety-relevant systems including backup camera sensors, hydraulic brake fluid, electrical systems, a fuel-level sending unit, and tires, producing a defect record sub-score of only 12 out of 20.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year's configuration, which limits the crash-avoidance sub-score to 7 out of 10 despite standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control.
- Only two unverified owner complaints appear in the NHTSA record for this model year, both alleging electrical system concerns, a low complaint volume that nonetheless aligns with the electrical system recall activity documented for the 2020 A7.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi A7 places
The 2020 Audi A7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi A7 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi A7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi A7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 A7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi A7 earned 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi A7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi A7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi A7. 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 A7 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 15920), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A7 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 45 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.