2020 AUDI A7

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Audi A7 reflects both advanced engineering and serious oversight, with a total of seven recalls indicating significant reliability concerns. The airbag, electrical system, and tire-related issues present a notable risk to owners, particularly in the early mileage range.

Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls

📋Why This Matters

The recurrent defects in safety-critical components like airbags and tires are significant for a luxury model like the Audi A7, which is expected to uphold superior safety standards. As an embodiment of Audi's commitment to precision engineering, these flaws tarnish the brand's image as a leader in automotive excellence and reliability. Buyers expect less friction when navigating high-stakes environments; thus, these shortcomings raise concerns over the vehicle's dependability and overall safety performance.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

In examining the year-over-year trends for Audi vehicles, it is clear that the A7 model has not fared well regarding reliability ratings compared to its competitors. The frequency and severity of the recalls suggest an increased risk profile that is at odds with buyer expectations for luxury vehicles.

Safety & Reliability Score

34/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-0.1
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 AUDI A7

Model Year2020
MakeAUDI
ModelA7
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

0 complaints (0% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 2 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟢Low
2(100%)
Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TIRESAIR BAGSSUSPENSIONELECTRICAL SYSTEMSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: Potential malfunctions due to improper manufacturing can lead to airbag failure during deployment.

Contact an authorized dealer for immediate airbag system inspection and any necessary repairs.

🔍

Request verification of completed recall repairs on airbag systems from any prospective seller.

Campaigns:21V-295
2

Electrical System

Issue: Errors related to DTC codes may signify underlying electrical issues affecting vehicle performance.

Ensure diagnostics are run if warning lights appear related to electrical functions; consult TSB guidance.

🔍

Inquire about any electrical system diagnostics performed before purchasing the vehicle.

3

Tires

Issue: 'Rear axle alignment may not have been inspected,' potentially compromising tire integrity and performance.

'Inspect tires immediately for wear patterns; alignments should be checked as per recall directives.'

🔍

'Confirm that all tire recalls have been addressed prior to purchase.'

Campaign:21V-295
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your AUDI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (7)

Campaign: 22V034000

TIRES

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V159000

AIR BAGS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V295000

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V274000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi A6, A6 Allroad and A7 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V155000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V861000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V601000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 A7.

INV-2020-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding A7 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 18,866
INV-2020-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding A7 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 33,007

Consumer Complaints

2 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 A7.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical system malfunction during driving with multiple failures following after that. I managed to get the car in a safe area so I could get towed and not cause a dangerous situation on the road. This is a known issue with Audi’s with mild hybrid system where the 48v generator/alternator fails. The car goes in limp mode and causes a dangerous situation for driver and passengers if not able to steer the car off the highway. Audi has confirmed the issue with the 48v generator, but there is no recall for these vehicles despite Audi knowing this can cause dangerous situations on the road during a failure of this type. The car cannot be driven now until a replacement part comes in (lead time around 3 months).

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CHARGING PAD CAUSED THE IPHONE TO OVERHEAT AND GO INTO THERMAL PROTECTION MODE. I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMOIN OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues reported by owners of the 2020 Audi A7?'

'Owners have reported recurring issues primarily focused on airbag functionality, tire alignment problems leading to uneven wear, and various concerns regarding electrical system errors. Given these factors, it's essential for potential buyers to thoroughly investigate these aspects before making a purchase decision.'

'How do I check if my 2020 Audi A7 has outstanding recalls?'

'You can easily verify outstanding recalls by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting your local Audi dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can provide you with current recall information and any required corrective actions.'

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official AUDI records to ensure no 7 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in AUDI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every AUDI recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later A7 iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a AUDI specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.