NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi E-Tron scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi E-Tron achieves a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating, complemented by a low 9% rollover risk. These results contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong safety band for its vehicle class.
The 2020 Audi E-Tron received an NHTSA five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi E-Tron ranks 25 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi E-Tron?
The 2020 model year marks a measurable step forward for the E-Tron in MotorCaliber's scoring. The Safety Index climbed six points to 88/100 from the 2019 model's 82/100, both within the Strong band but the gap is not trivial. The gain is anchored by a crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA five-star overall result and that No Tip dynamic rollover outcome. Avoidance technology contributes 7 out of 10, consistent with forward collision warning and electronic stability control being standard equipment, though the absence of a standard lane departure warning system holds that sub-score back from its ceiling. The defect record sub-score of 16 out of 20 reflects the reality of four active recall campaigns, including the battery thermal management software issue that is specific to the 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro generation and directly relevant to this model year. For a first-generation electric SUV carrying four recalls, the overall Index holding at 88 underscores how heavily the strong crash-test performance weighs in the final score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi E-Tron received an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, with its frontal protection assessment preventing a clean sweep of perfect scores. While side and rollover protection each earned five stars, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result and a 9% rollover risk, the frontal crash test resulted in a four-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14801
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi E-Tron have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2020 E-Tron. The most safety-critical addresses traction battery thermal management software, a propulsion-system concern specific to 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro models. A second targets hydraulic service brakes on 2020-2021 E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The remaining two involve back-over prevention camera sensing and onboard charging cable issues. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign descriptions, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE23V867000
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install onboard diagnostic software to monitor battery module performance, and replace affected battery modules where necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U9 and 93V2.
Reported 2023-12-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD23V842000
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's num
Reported 2023-12-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V569000
Risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
Reported 2021-07-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi E-Tron?
NHTSA records one owner complaint for the 2020 E-Tron. The unverified allegation touches two components, the Electrical System and Structure. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported in that single filing. One complaint is a notably thin sample and should not be read as a comprehensive picture of owner experience.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi E-Tron?
The 2020 E-Tron battery thermal management software was the subject of one of four recall campaigns for the model year. The hydraulic brake system also prompted a recall. Any potential buyer of a used 2020 E-Tron should verify recall remedy completion via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as open recalls transfer with the vehicle title.
- The 2020 E-Tron's Safety Index of 88/100 represents a six-point improvement over the 2019 model's 82/100, the largest year-over-year Index gain in this vehicle's early history on MotorCaliber's scale.
- A recall specific to 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles addresses traction battery thermal management software, a propulsion-system issue that is directly relevant to every 2020 E-Tron Quattro on the used market.
- The frontal crash rating of four out of five stars is the single area where the 2020 E-Tron fell short of a perfect NHTSA sweep, while side and rollover both achieved five stars with a 9% rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Lane departure warning is absent as standard equipment on this model year, a gap that holds the avoidance technology sub-score to 7 out of 10 and is worth factoring in when comparing this vehicle against competitors that include the feature as standard.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi E-Tron places
The 2020 Audi E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi E-Tron 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 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 Audi E-Tron. 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 E-Tron years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14801), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi E-Tron 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 25 of 107 in the SUV 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.