Recall 20V737 affects 5,426 2020-2021 Audi A5, RS 5, and S5 vehicles for missing rear-light harness scuff protection. Free repair at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 5,426 2020-2021 A5, RS 5, and S5 Sportback vehicles because the rear-light wiring harness can be missing scuff protection near the spare wheel well. In a rear crash, damaged wires can keep the doors from opening from outside and disable hazard lights; Audi dealers will add the protection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear-light wiring harness on 2020-2021 Audi A5, RS 5, and S5 vehicles is the bundle of wires that carries power and signals to the rear lamps. It also supports functions tied to the hazard warning lights. This wiring runs through the spare wheel well area, where it needs anti-abrasion protection so normal contact and movement do not wear through the insulation.
On affected vehicles, that scuff protection was left off during production because of a supplier error. Without the protective tape, the harness is more exposed in the spare wheel well. In a rear crash, the wiring can be damaged, which can compromise vehicle power and leave the outside door handles or hazard warning lights unable to work.
Owners are not expected to see a warning light, lamp fault, or other early symptom before this condition matters. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
A5, RS 5, and S5 are listed under both tail-light and electrical-system components. The VIN bands are not sequential, so the endpoints do not confirm inclusion by themselves.
| 2020 Audi A5 | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A5 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi A5 | Tail lights |
| 2021 Audi A5 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi RS 5 | Tail lights |
| 2021 Audi RS 5 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi S5 | Tail lights |
| 2021 Audi S5 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi S5 | Tail lights |
| 2020 Audi S5 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5,426 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 20V737 describes a rear crash risk: without scuff protection, damaged wires can keep the doors from opening from the outside, disable hazard lights, and increase the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before this damage happens in a rear crash. Schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Audi A5, RS 5, or S5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free scuff-protection repair for the rear-light wiring harness.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V737 and Audi recall 97EU when you call.
- Ask Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 if the dealer cannot confirm the repair or appointment details.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician applies scuff protection to the rear light wiring harness in the spare wheel well, where the anti-abrasion protection was missing. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Audi states that it will not offer reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repair costs are not handled through a separate reimbursement program under recall 20V737.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 22, 2021 | Final remedy owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V737?
Recall 20V737 covers 5,426 2020-2021 Audi A5 and S5 Sportback vehicles, plus 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback vehicles, with rear-light wiring that needs scuff protection near the spare wheel well. Audi dealers will apply the protection for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Audi A5, RS 5, or S5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 20V737. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the scuff-protection repair. Reference recall 20V737 or Audi recall number 97EU when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi will apply the rear-light wiring scuff protection free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to a rear crash. Without scuff protection, rear-light wiring can be damaged, which can stop the doors from opening from the outside and disable hazard lights, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought my Audi A5, RS 5, or S5 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 20V737.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V737000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V737 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V737000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →