NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi S4 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi S4 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 3 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect crash-protection sub-score contributes significantly to the 2020 Audi S4's Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100. This places it among the top performers, supported by strong ratings for its avoidance technology. However, the presence of three active recall campaigns introduces a note of caution, even for a vehicle that otherwise demonstrates a high degree of safety performance.
The 2020 Audi S4 receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi S4 ranks 8 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi S4?
The 2020 Audi S4 carries a Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This figure reflects a two-point decrease from the 2019 model's 98 out of 100. The change traces to a defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20, the only sub-score not at its maximum. This sub-score is influenced by three recall campaigns addressing tires, seats, and the rear suspension axle assembly. Crash protection for the 2020 S4 remains at a perfect 70 out of 70, supported by a 5-star rollover result and a 10 percent rollover risk. It is important to note that NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests for this specific model year. Therefore, the perfect crash-protection score is based on the available data, not a full battery of crash test results. The avoidance technology sub-score is 8.5 out of 10. This score reflects standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. Lane departure warning is listed as an optional feature rather than standard, which accounts for a fractional point reduction compared to vehicles with a fully standard suite of avoidance technologies. The 16 unverified owner complaints, primarily focused on the electrical system, warrant monitoring but do not impact the current index calculation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi S4 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi S4 received no overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings from NHTSA, leaving significant gaps in its safety profile. Its one rated category, rollover, earned a full 5 out of 5 stars, with the vehicle demonstrating a 10 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. Consumers should be aware that the absence of ratings in the other categories means no assessment of protection levels has been published.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14770
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi S4 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Audi S4. The components involved are tires, seats, and rear suspension axle assembly. None of the three campaigns carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN, as open campaigns may still await completion on individual vehicles.
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 S4?
Sixteen unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 S4. The top reported components are the electrical system with 14 allegations and back-over prevention with 9. Lane departure, forward collision avoidance, and visibility and wipers each drew one reported allegation. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi S4?
For the 2020 S4, three recall campaigns merit attention. These address issues with tires, seats, and the rear suspension. Given the nature of these concerns, prospective owners should verify remedy completion for any specific vehicle. A franchised dealer can confirm if the necessary repairs have been performed; buyers should request documentation of this work.
- The 2020 S4 Safety Index of 96/100 is two points below the 2019 model year's 98/100, a year-over-year decline driven by a defect record sub-score of 17/20 tied to three active recall campaigns.
- NHTSA assigned a perfect 5-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 10 percent rollover risk to this specific model year, but did not rate overall, frontal, or side crash protection for the 2020 S4.
- Three recall campaigns affecting tires, seats, and the rear non-powered axle suspension assembly are on record for this model year - VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential for used-market buyers.
- Fourteen of the 16 unverified NHTSA complaints for the 2020 S4 allege electrical system issues, a concentration worth noting even though these are unverified consumer allegations and not established defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi S4 places
The 2020 Audi S4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi S4 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi S4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi S4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 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 S4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi S4 earned 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 S4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi S4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi S4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi S4. 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 S4 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 14770), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S4 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 8 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.