2020 Audi A4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
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Chronological view of owner reports
The MMI (infotainment) system in my 2020 Audi A4 start to have intermittent reboot issue during normal driving starting earlier this year. It was working expected without reboot until that time. The MMI system reboot creates harzards and danger for drivers because during rebooting, the whole navigation system is not working neither did Carplay. What's even worse is that the back up camera and radar will also be disabled during rebooting. The rebooting time varies from 10s of seconds to minutes, with black screen and/or laggy, frozen screen. After rebooting, the system will have error prompt such as 'The selected user has not been used for a extended period of time' but the selected user has been using the vehicle all the time. Given the issue described above, there are more and more ppl who are experiencing the same issue joined a online thread: [XXX] , in order to identify the issue and helping each other to protect consumer's rights. The issue has been shared to Audi Customer Support thru email and phone calls several times, such as case number: XXXXXXXX, all the help they provided to me is to reset key user of the vehicle but it does not solve the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Infotainment systems randomly reboot, which can happen when reversing, and reverse camera goes black during the incident is a safety concern.
The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. Restoring functionality requires user input to get through the loading screens. The issue started in February 2025 and the vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership (on 4/17/25), who applied an update at a cost of $185 which did not solve the issue), and they continue to claim there's nothing they can do since their OBD scans return no fault codes, even though there are numerous TSBs (filed with NHTSA) that point to available software updates that should be applied to address infotainment-related issues. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the numerous reports found on user forums online, affecting the same model year vehicles (for multiple examples, refer to [XXX]). It is also interesting that most of the users experiencing this issue, also report it starting around the same time (Jan/Feb 2025), and they all have similar software versions, and likely production dates. This should be considered a safety issue, as the reboots can happen in the middle of a reverse parking maneuver, and they render the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors completely inoperative until the system reloads. They also impact safety on the highway, as the reboots completely disable the navigation screens, and require multiple user input to restore, while driving. I have also filed a case with Audi Customer Experience (as many other customers have for this issue) and the number is, [XXX] opened on 4/18/25, and I'm still pending for a satisfactory resolution. Relevant TSB numbers include: TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, TSB 2069112" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Multimedia Interface (MMI) infotainment system in my 2020 Audi A4 frequently and unexpectedly reboots during driving. Each reboot causes the display to go black, disabling essential safety features including the backup camera, rear obstacle sensors, navigation, and hands-free phone connectivity until the system fully reloads. Restoring operation requires manual interaction, such as entering a PIN and repeatedly using the touchscreen, which distracts the driver and creates unsafe conditions. This malfunction significantly jeopardizes safety, particularly while driving in reverse, as the abrupt loss of the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors occurs without warning, substantially increasing the risk of collision or pedestrian accidents. Additionally, during normal driving, the sudden reboots disable navigation guidance and hands-free phone operation, which are essential for compliance with state laws regarding distraction-free driving. The need for manual input to restore these functionalities causes further driver distraction, compounding the potential for hazardous situations. The issue initially appeared sporadically over a year ago but increased dramatically around February 2025, now occurring as often as every few minutes. Performing a factory reset provided no improvement. Many owners report identical problems on forums like AudiWorld and Reddit, specifically mentioning the early-2025 onset and similar software versions. Several related Technical Service Bulletins, including TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, and TSB 2069112, suggest software updates to address infotainment malfunctions. My vehicle underwent scheduled maintenance at an authorized Audi dealer in December 2024; no MMI abnormalities were reported then. Due to the sudden and unexpected nature of these system reboots and the disabling of critical safety and compliance functions, this defect should be recognized as a significant safety risk requiring immediate corrective action from Audi.
MMI Constant Rebooting - Follow up My 2020 Audi A4 Quattro's MMI system constantly reboots (~60 seconds), causing the screen to go black/blank. Component Failed: MIB3 infotainment software. This persistent issue leads to reboots and loss of digital display. System available for inspection. Safety Risk: Significant, recurring hazard. Critical safety features are inoperative for ~1 min during reboots, including: Rearview camera (backing/parking safety) Navigation Communication No manual bypass exists; driver loses vital visual information Problem Confirmation: Consistently reproducible. Dealer proposed costly hardware replacement with no guarantee, contradicting manufacturer guidelines for known software issues. Symptoms: continuous black screen, Audi splash, then re-initialization. Problem worsened over weeks. Manufacturer's Knowledge: Extensive owner research (AudiWorld, Reddit) confirms this as a widespread, documented MIB3 software defect for 2020 Audi A4/A5 models. Audi's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) address this: TSB 2069112 (MIB3 improvements) TSB 2067021 (MIB3 malfunctions) These TSBs outline a specific, sequential software update process (e.g., older versions need TSB 2067021 first for TSB 2069112). Other owners successfully resolved rebooting with these updates. This malfunction is analogous to other Audi MIB3 software instabilities, as evidenced by NHTSA Recall Number 22V742 (Audi Campaign Code 91DZ). This recall for 2021-2022 Audi models addresses similar digital display/infotainment failures (e.g., rearview camera loss) via a no-cost software update. This demonstrates Audi's awareness of systemic MIB3 software issues impairing safety. I urge NHTSA to investigate this widespread 2020 Audi A4 issue and compel Audi to issue a recall for a no-cost software update (per TSBs) to all affected owners. More detailed documentation, including dealer records and owner videos, is available upon request as there is limited space to detail here.
I have started experiencing issues with the MMI (infotainment system) system rebooting every few minutes. It was very sporadic at first, but now it is at the point where I frequently don't have time to get into the system before it starts the reboot cycle again. When this happens, the screen will go blank for several seconds. Then a message will show for several seconds saying that the system is loading. The system will then try to guide me through several prompts to try to log back into the car's MMI system. Even if I choose "Guest User" I am shown multiple prompts before I get into the system and can use the functions located in the MMI. This can and does happen while driving, while parked, and while backing up. This reboot sequence makes all of the safety features, including collision avoidance and the backup camera inaccessible during this time. Sometimes, the system reboots before I have time to even back out of my driveway. Frequently, I don't have time to sign in or work through the prompts to get to the working system before it starts rebooting again. This issue started in February, 2025, but it was infrequent then. Over the past month, the issue has been persistent with the system rebooting every 5 minutes or less. This is very distracting while trying to drive and takes the driver's attention away from driving. As stated before, it also makes the safety features of the vehicle inaccessible - such as collision avoidance and backup camera.
Vehicles MMI constantly cycling through reboot - inordinate amount of previous complaints about this exact issue - Dealer advised a min $1040 ($370 to diagnose + $670 new MMI) to diagnose and change MMI console with NO guarantee it will work and that's because: the dealer has not updated MIB2 (aka the MMI) using the instructions on a different bulletin, titled "TSB 2067021 - 91 MIB3: Garage opener/SXM/Online Radio or other malfunctions B129B11, B129C22, B123B13, B123C13, U044700 or B200000" (latest version is from July 27, 2024, they've had 6 revisions), before applying the most recent update. So it looks like, at a minimum, I'm two updates behind (encompassing of course, a ton of intermediate versions). So right there, the dealerships have been failing by not even taking the time to read Audi's own TSBs. The dealership said: they have seen this before and they have seen many leave without resolve May I please be placed on the list of VINs that when all complaints are proven to be true and a recall is issued, I can partake in the MMI update? It truly is dangerous as the entire console shuts down, meaning cameras and system are not available for viewing protection (the minimum safety precautions expected with cameras, etc) Audi needs to recognize this is a widespread issue. It appears that they are picky with who they provide updates to and who they ignore as some owners received an update and while their MMI doesn't function 100%, it doesn't cycle through reboot every 60 seconds.
While driving, the infotainment screen (MMI system) randomly reboots without warning. This happens frequently, often multiple times during a single trip. When it restarts, the screen goes black and temporarily disables important functions like the navigation, rear-view camera, audio, and vehicle settings. This poses a safety risk by distracting the driver and making it difficult to safely reverse or park. I brought the vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed the only solution is to replace the MMI system. However, I’ve seen many other Audi A4 owners online report the exact same issue. Given how widespread this appears to be, I believe this should be addressed as a manufacturer defect rather than a repair cost placed on the owner. There were no warning lights or messages before the screen began to fail.
The MMI system in the car spontaneously reboots, every 2-5 minutes. During reboot, the screen goes black and systems such as the backup camera, rear cross traffic detection, rear collision warning, and navigation are lost until the reboot completes and the user has to cycle thru multiple input & loading screens to get back to full functionality. Given the length of time the reboot requires, often the screen gets back to usability, only to reboot again less than a minute later. The reboots are random and occur whether the radio is off, radio playing; bluetooth connected, not connected; android auto running/not running; car moving, car parked; engine off, engine on; cold weather/hot weather; wet weather/dry weather. This should be considered a safety issue, as the reboots can happen in the middle of a reverse parking maneuver, and they render the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors completely inoperative until the system reloads. They also impact safety on the highway, as the reboots completely disable the navigation screens, and require multiple user input to restore, while driving.
MMI system is restarting on a near constant basis, both while parked and driving. Aside from being inconvenient, as you can not use media/navigation/etc while it’s rebooting, it also causes many safety features like drive assist/collision/obstacle detection to malfunction and not work, and is therefore simply outright dangerous.
Starting in around February the MMI (central computer system) system started rebooting at random times while the car was started. At first, I thought there must be something wrong with just my car. I took it into the dealer, and they said there was nothing they could do about it. I did some research and found many other people are having the same issues (thread has over 550 posts linked at the bottom) with the year model and they all started at the same time. I reached out to Audi International, and they say they've never heard of the issue, it's not widespread and to take it to the dealer (which is clearly a lie given the linked thread), when I took it to the dealer, they said Audi international needs to provide and update. Many people on the thread have been told the same thing by Audi and it is extremely frustrating that it's been 5 months, and they continue to deny anything is wrong. I feel this is a major safety issue due to the fact it is extremely distracting while driving and trying to use maps. I took a ~2-hour drive yesterday and the MMI rebooted around 100 times. The other extremely concerning safety issue is if it reboots while parked or in reverse, you lose the backup camera as well as all the proximity sensors until the car is restarted. I know many people have also filed complaints with the NHTSA and Audi International and I'm hoping with enough people speaking up someone will listen and force Audi to provide a solution. Link to Forum: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The MMI system keeps crashing and rebooting. It can happen as often as every 5-15 minutes. Navigation goes down and parking and backup camera is unavailable until system goes through the reboot process. My understanding is that there are numerous other Audi owners who have this problem, with no clear fix . Audi has nit addressed this or have been able to offer any help or resolution to this issue
The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload. Restoring functionality requires user input to get through the loading screens. The issue started in February 2025 and the vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership (on 3/10.25), who verified the concern and attempted a factory reset (which did not solve the issue), and they continue to claim there's nothing they can do since their OBD scans return no fault codes, even though there are numerous TSBs (filed with NHTSA) that point to available software updates that should be applied to address infotainment-related issues. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the numerous reports found on user forums online, affecting the same model year vehicles (for multiple examples, refer to https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-b9-platform-discussion-212/mib3-2020-mmi-rebooting-spontaneously-2020-a4-3082501/ ). It is also interesting that most of the users experiencing this issue, also report it starting around the same time (Jan/Feb 2025), and they all have similar software versions, and likely production dates. This should be considered a safety issue, as the reboots can happen in the middle of a reverse parking maneuver, and they render the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors completely inoperative until the system reloads. They also impact safety on the highway, as the reboots completely disable the navigation screens, and require multiple user input to restore, while driving. I have also filed a case with Audi Customer Experience (as many other customers have for this issue) and the number is 06788106, opened on 4/23/25, and I'm still pending for a satisfactory resolution. Relevant TSB numbers include: TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, TSB 2069112.
2020 Audi A4 went in for service on 2/27. After servicing, car's electrical MMI system started rebooting randomly while driving. When this random reboot occurs, the backup camera, parking collision warning no longer function. On some trips, this occurs as often as 5-6 times while others occur just once. The problem is increasing in frequency. I took it back to the dealer on 4/16 where the only thing they could find via codes was a faulty a/c component. After searching online for a solution, I arrived at several reddit threads with other 2020 audi a4 drivers experiencing similar issues at the end of February. The thread is listed below. [XXX] As mentioned earlier, this lack of system functioning is unsafe as advanced driving features of the car will not work when in a reboot mode. Audi needs to address this issue since this isn't only my car, but appears to have affected the entire 2020 Audi A4 model line. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The MMI (multi-media interface) frequently reboots during driving, resulting in a black screen and the inoperability of key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, navigation, and cell phone tethering (for hands-free operation). These reboots require user input, including entering a PIN to log into the user account (if set up) and repeatedly tapping on the MMI, which can be highly distracting while driving. By its very nature, the reboot catches the driver by surprise and requires diverting attention from driving.Typically, this user input is provided while stationary, immediately after starting the vehicle. This issue constitutes a safety concern, as reboots can occur during reverse parking maneuvers, rendering the backup camera and obstacle detection sensors inoperable until the system reloads. Additionally, reboots completely disable the navigation screens and necessitate multiple user inputs to restore functionality, which can be hazardous while driving. Many states have enacted hands-free laws and requirements that mandate the use of dash-mounted systems to comply with these regulations. The reboots render such systems inoperative. Numerous reports on online user forums suggest that this issue is widespread and affects the same model year vehicles. For instance, see [XXX] . Several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that available software updates should be applied to address infotainment-related issues. Relevant TSB numbers include: TSB 2067021, TSB 2076404, and TSB 2069112. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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Quick Summary
The 2020 Audi A4 has 15 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.