NHTSA Complaint #11657373 — 2020 AUDI A4 ALLROAD

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. The issue emerged sometime in February or March 2025. The vehicle was last serviced on February 7, 2025, at an Audi dealer. The dealer performed the recommended 50,000-mile service and did not identify any abnormalities related to the MMI during the multi-point vehicle inspection. 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 https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-b9-platform-discussion-212/mib3-2020-mmi-rebooting-spontaneously-2020-a4-3082501/. 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.