2020 Audi S5 SportbackRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints for the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback. Most complaints involve electrical system (14) and back over prevention (11). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system14
- Back over prevention11
- Forward collision avoidance6
- Lane departure2
- Other / unknown12
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“MMI - Multi Media Interface constantly reboots about every 90 seconds. This is a safety issue since if I am backing up and the MMI reboots I lose the backup camera and when the MMI reboots I also lose collision/parking/proximity sensors. This issue started happening with my Audi on 7/26/25 and can be reproduced every time the ignition is on or car is running. From doing a quick search on the internet this is a very common problem that just started happening within the last few months with a number of 2020 model Audi's.”
Back over prevention
“I am writing to report a critical and recurring safety defect concerning the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system in my Audi S5. The MMI system consistently restarts itself approximately every 90 seconds, regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary (parking) or in motion (driving). This issue presents a significant safety hazard because critical sensor information and vehicle status displays, which are shown on the infotainment screen, become unavailable during each restart cycle. During the 5-10 second period of the system restarting, the screen goes blank, and all related functions and visual aids, including parking sensor readouts, camera views (if active), and other driver assistance information, are completely inaccessible. The intermittent loss of these visual aids creates a hazardous situation, especially when maneuvering at low speeds, parking, or when relying on sensor alerts for proximity to other vehicles or obstacles. Even during normal driving, the sudden loss of the display is a distraction and removes vital information that a driver might rely on. This is particularly concerning as it affects features directly related to situational awareness…”
Forward collision avoidance
“Sudden reboot of the vehicle's infotainment system, which then repeats every 60-90 seconds consistently. The reboot has happened while reversing the vehicle, which results in losing view of the backup camera and parking sensors / rear cross traffic detection. This issue was originally sparse, but after 7/14 manifests 100% of the time when using the vehicle. This represents a safety issue due to the loss of rear backup camera for 30+ seconds while the infotainment reboots. No warning lights appear, no inspections have been performed by the dealer or any others.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5 Sportback Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,250 | 393 |
- 23mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2020 S5 Sportback questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Audi S5 Sportback problems?
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (14), back over prevention (11), forward collision avoidance (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).