2020 Audi e-tron Sportback
Electric SUV · AWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Below average for 2020 EV SUVs (class avg 66)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 40 days ago
The 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback packs 355 hp, 218 miles of EPA range and a 87 kWh battery, and the short EPA range puts longer trips out of reach for this trim.
Score read
A 61/100 makes this not a casual purchase. Do not let the composite hide this split: software and driver-assist score is 83/100, while range and efficiency score is 36/100. Owners on Reddit repeatedly cite build quality and range as recurring problems. Documented completion matters more than the recall count itself.
Price context
Used examples are running around $21,525. Treat that as a budgeting floor, not a final price; pull a current KBB Fair Purchase or Edmunds True Market Value for this exact trim before negotiating.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
✗ Avoid if you are a
- ☷ Family hauler 3+ kids, cargo, towing
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Built in Range is the easy place to overbuy this trim (36/100).
Mitigation Check your commute, winter margin, and fast-charge plan before you assume the EPA number fits your use.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 218-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Map your normal highway route and winter margin against the EPA range before you treat it as a road-trip car.
VIN status first This model has 5 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 4 NHTSA complaint records (1.3 per 10K VINs, low for any vehicle class). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $17,284-$27,500. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
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Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $17.9K–$26.9K market value (±20% of $22.4K). 6 outscore · 0 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
Model Y
- ✓ +98 mi more range
- ✓ Better safety score
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
EV6
- ✓ +92 mi more range
- ✓ Stronger safety record
- ✓ 800V DC charging
Ioniq 5
- ✓ +85 mi more range
- ✓ Better safety score
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
Q4 e-tron
- ✓ Different trade-offs at the same price
e-tron
- ✓ Different trade-offs at the same price
Niro
- ✓ +21 mi more range
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$7,652 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 23 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (5)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Audi E-Tron and 2020-2024 Audi E-Tron Sportback vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.
A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to use the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (4 total · 1.3 per 10K US vehicles · low for any vehicle class)
Car was serviced for recall work and returned next day with con box failure which controls SOS feature on car. The Con box failures can be caused from battery voltage events and software resets. The car had approximately 38k miles on it at the time of service. The dealer and Audi would not accept any responsibility for the failure of the con box. This feature also controls the phone app and last connected the next day after the service. I tried to contact Audi for a goodwill service request and they denied it. THe SOS is afederal mandated system that no longer works now and cost of repair is $2000.
Car was serviced for recall work and returned next day with con box failure which controls SOS feature on car. The Con box failures can be caused from battery voltage events and software resets. The car had approximately 38k miles on it at the time of service. The dealer and Audi would not accept any responsibility for the failure of the con box. This feature also controls the phone app and last connected the next day after the service. I tried to contact Audi for a goodwill service request and they denied it. THe SOS is afederal mandated system that no longer works now and cost of repair is $2000.
Sunroof leaked. Not directly safety, but can be as water was getting on interior electronics. Dealer referenced TSB 2056944/10 and warranty extension U63 Sunroof WrtyExt 7yr/80k, but noted that we were not included in the warranty extension.
Sunroof leaked. Not directly safety, but can be as water was getting on interior electronics. Dealer referenced TSB 2056944/10 and warranty extension U63 Sunroof WrtyExt 7yr/80k, but noted that we were not included in the warranty extension.
I have been dealing with an unresolved recall issue on my Audi for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to contact Audi Atlanta, I have not received any meaningful assistance. Each time I call, I’m told that a solution has not yet been provided for the recall. Additionally, my vehicle has experienced multiple issues, including overheating. Audi Atlanta has been unable to diagnose or resolve the problem, even after keeping the car for several days on multiple occasions. Most recently, water has begun leaking into the interior, and this issue also remains unfixed. I have tried repeatedly to reach out to Audi Atlanta, but my calls are now being ignored. This ongoing lack of support is extremely frustrating. My vehicle is rapidly depreciating, and I’m unable to sell it due to the unresolved recall. I feel completely abandoned by the dealership and Audi as a brand. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving these issues.
I have been dealing with an unresolved recall issue on my Audi for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to contact Audi Atlanta, I have not received any meaningful assistance. Each time I call, I’m told that a solution has not yet been provided for the recall. Additionally, my vehicle has experienced multiple issues, including overheating. Audi Atlanta has been unable to diagnose or resolve the problem, even after keeping the car for several days on multiple occasions. Most recently, water has begun leaking into the interior, and this issue also remains unfixed. I have tried repeatedly to reach out to Audi Atlanta, but my calls are now being ignored. This ongoing lack of support is extremely frustrating. My vehicle is rapidly depreciating, and I’m unable to sell it due to the unresolved recall. I feel completely abandoned by the dealership and Audi as a brand. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving these issues.
Audi etron sportback lost power while driving on a busy roadway at 60mph. Car lost about 10-15 mph speed within seconds due to the vehicle weight. By the time the "drive system malfunction" and "electical system malfunction " warning lights came on I realized I could not accelerate, and and coasted to a stop on the shoulder over maybe 15 20 seconds.Was able to break and steer. After several restarts, drove some again, but same warning came on unable to drive requiring tow. 7 weeks at this point at Audi dealer service, no fix or diagnosis. The issue has been redemonstrated at dealership. Told it was "fixed", picked up car, and 4 miles from dealer car shut down again /lost power at 45mph on a major road, and back to dealership. Apparently many similar reports of loss of power randomly with this error. Very luck to not have had a crash, injury, or loss of life either time. Obviously an issue to not be able to accelerate and randomly lose power and this if not already will lead to deaths especially at high rates of speed, congested roads, up hills or mountains, train tracks, when passing or merging, etc. No error code, so possibly other crashes were a result of this and no one would know, as multiple vehicles with same issue and random mileage reported on audi forums and nhtsa reports. Mine is at 35000 miles, no previous issues. Still under warranty. Audi TAC case supposedly created for audi engineers.
Audi etron sportback lost power while driving on a busy roadway at 60mph. Car lost about 10-15 mph speed within seconds due to the vehicle weight. By the time the "drive system malfunction" and "electical system malfunction " warning lights came on I realized I could not accelerate, and and coasted to a stop on the shoulder over maybe 15 20 seconds.Was able to break and steer. After several restarts, drove some again, but same warning came on unable to drive requiring tow. 7 weeks at this point at Audi dealer service, no fix or diagnosis. The issue has been redemonstrated at dealership. Told it was "fixed", picked up car, and 4 miles from dealer car shut down again /lost power at 45mph on a major road, and back to dealership. Apparently many similar reports of loss of power randomly with this error. Very luck to not have had a crash, injury, or loss of life either time. Obviously an issue to not be able to accelerate and randomly lose power and this if not already will lead to deaths especially at high rates of speed, congested roads, up hills or mountains, train tracks, when passing or merging, etc. No error code, so possibly other crashes were a result of this and no one would know, as multiple vehicles with same issue and random mileage reported on audi forums and nhtsa reports. Mine is at 35000 miles, no previous issues. Still under warranty. Audi TAC case supposedly created for audi engineers.
What Owners Are Saying
"New to Audi, former BMW Owner Long time bimmer driver, recently switched to Audi or "The dark side" as people in the bimmer community would say it 👍 I wanted to get my hands on a midsized luxury AWD EV SUV here in Northeast US and BMW has nothing to offer in this segment. After test driving Tesla and frankly hating it, I found myself looking at the Audi e-tron. Found a 2019 Prestige with some extra miles but in nearly mint condition and I am in love with it. The build quality, performance, power, trim and everything in between has far exceeded my expectations. I'm now thoroughly disappointed in BMWs EV offering and plan on staying in an Audi for a long time. Cheers!"
"The rear cargo cover on the sportback seems to slowly loosen itself from the latch which causes a small rattle over bumps, I'm sure I would never hear this sound in a car with an engine. Has anyone experienced this? it's a quick fix since I just have to twist the lock back into place every now and then, but still a small annoyance #16· Aug 3, 2022 I am getting an annoying rattle/clunk in the center console area as well. When I go over bumps or a sharp turn. I’ve stripped everything out of the car and it’s still there. I’ve had it just over a year and it’s just started. When I take it in I’ll see what the dealership can do. #17· Aug 3, 2022 Yeah, in my 2019 SUV there is an intermittent rattle that seems to be coming from around the glove compartment in my car. #18· Aug 3, 2022 #19· Aug 4, 2022"
"New Member Introductions kk2002 Aug 21, 2020 Cancelled the Model Y ... new owner from Dallas Got a 2019 e-tron prestige black and okapi brown interior. I cannot handle rattles and need a quiet ride and having been in Model X many times I could not handle the noise and rattles. I realized I needed a luxury car first and electric drivetrain is second so I would not have liked the Model Y... 103.2KJNealCox replied Sep 12, 2020 Audi e-tron Range, MPGE And Economy polyphonic Sep 9, 2020"
"mmi software update 5. ### Good news, the range update came to the USA! Came much sooner than expected. It seems as Audi USA starts to roll out Service Action 93M3, which extends range by installing a software update. Look in your mail boxes! - 32 - 12K - QEMIST · Dec 2, 2021 93m3 software update - Home - Search Scroll to top"
"2019 Audi E-Tron Communication Module Failure — Dealership Says It’s Unfixable? Hey everyone, I’m hoping someone here might have some advice or insight. I have a 2019 Audi E-Tron, and back in August the communication module went out. Because of this, I can’t connect my car to the Audi app anymore, which means I’ve lost all remote functionality (can’t precondition, check status, etc.). When I took it to the dealership, they said there’s nothing they can do about it. They claimed there’s no repair or replacement available for the module after telling me a software update would fix it. It feels unacceptable for a car of this level to just permanently lose such major functionality. To add more context: They also updated my battery when I brought the car in for a leaking sunroof. In hopes of fixing the connectivity issues, they did another software update, but it didn’t help so they gave me a refund for it. I’m now just stuck with no app access, and they’ve basically told me “sorry, that’s it.” Has anyone experienced this? • Is this normal for older EVs to just lose connectivity like this? • Do I have any recourse to push Audi for a fix, a buyback, or even a trade into something else? • Any tips for escalating this to Audi corporate? Really appreciate any advice, stories, or suggestions — thanks in advance!"
"Long trips and warranty question Ok group — my wife and I love our 2022 Audi e-tron, but a couple of recent trips have left us extremely frustrated with the charging infrastructure. This week we were in Providence for an event for our daughter (about 100 miles from home), so we stayed at a hotel with what appeared to be plenty of nearby charging options. That night, I tried to charge: • The station across the street near the State House was gated off. • The next closest station showed available, but it was out of order. I called it a night assuming I’d figure it out in the morning. The next morning, we went to the mall, which showed many available chargers. After multiple attempts and a lot of frustration, the Shell customer service rep told me they were all offline. Not great timing, since I was now down to about 25 miles of range. From there, I tried at least half a dozen more stations—either full or broken—before finally reaching an Electrify America location. Only 3 of 5 chargers were working, there was a long wait, and charging was very slow (about 80 kW on a 350 kW charger). I assume the \~10°F temps played a role. I eventually got enough charge and we were on our way, but this involved over a dozen charging attempts in a 24-hour period. I’m hoping this was just terrible timing and Providence was having an unusually bad day with outages, but my wife and kids have basically said: “We’re never taking this car if we’re going more than 80 miles from home.” 😳 ⸻ Second question: Our car just went out of warranty this weekend. I keep hearing that MMI and headlight repairs can be very expensive ($5k+). Is it worth spending a couple grand on an extended warranty to cover those, or are those failures uncommon enough that I should be fine relying on the remaining motor and charging warranty? 2022 etron premium plus with 27k miles and has had front motor and high voltage system a sunroof and 2 door handles replaced in the last 3 months. Appreciate any real-world experiences or advice."
"To further rub some salt in, Norwegians are reporting a cascade of bugs if charinging on AC for over 12h. Paste this link in google translate: I'm already seeing a ton of these in traffic. They blend really well as they are not weird mobiles. Looks like EVs aren't that easy to transition to after all, though I want them all to succeed."
"My new '22 Sportback e-tron is bank vault solid and not a single rattle, even on horrible Los Angeles roads, or driving through bumpy canyons. Audi has their head up their ass\*s when it comes to the app, but the build, fit, finish and quality of the e-tron is truly outstanding. I find e-tron build quality to be on par with Bentley, and honestly better than Rolls-Royce! #13· Apr 2, 2022 To be honest, with the quietness of the motors, even the faintest of sounds would be picked up in a typical EV cabin. Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. #14· Apr 3, 2022 > JNealCox said: > > Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. > > > Click to expand... ... and keeping it quiet over the years. I have an odd squeak in the passenger door around the loudspeaker and cannot locate it for the life of me. And yes, it does drive me insane when it happens. #15· May 5, 2022"
Showing 8 of 48 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)