Audi Vehicle Guide

While Audi can trace its automotive roots back more than a century, the brand didn’t arrive in America until 1969. Over the following decades, its German engineering, upscale touches, and Quattro all-wheel drive have enabled the Volkswagen-owned company to challenge BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the European luxury segment. Audis get high marks for engaging driving characteristics and premium cabins, but popular models like the Q5 and A4 can be expensive to repair. Here’s what Audi owners need to know.

A red Audi sports car

Audi Warranty Options

Audi’s new car warranty follows a familiar approach for German luxury automakers, offering four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection. Unlike some upscale rivals, Audi doesn’t include extended factory protection for the powertrain. That can worry Audi owners as repairs for the engine and transmission, regardless of the brand, can be particularly expensive. Endurance Warranty offers an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract that can safeguard an Audi with an expired original warranty.

  • Read more about Audi warranties

    Imported parts and specialized technicians can translate into pricey service work for an Audi A5, A6, Q3, Q7, or another Audi model. An extended warranty tailored for an Audi can provide crucial protection while taking the surprise out of unexpected repair bills.

    Compare Audi warranty options:

Audi Reliability

An Audi’s dependability depends on its age. Consumer Reports ranks Audi as the 7th most reliable new car brand, among 22 automakers. However, Audi drops to 14th out of 26 brands regarding used vehicle reliability. Looking at specific Audi models gives more detailed insights into reliability.

  • Read more about Audi reliability

    Inconsistent dependability hasn’t kept the Audi Q5 from being the company’s most popular model. Consumer Reports ranked most Q5 model years since 2014 below 40 out of 100 for reliability. The 2020 Q5 pushes into better territory (50 out of 100), but only the 2016 and 2019 editions score a 60 or better. The Audi A4 sedan has similar reliability ratings, with the 2019, 2023, and 2025 model years having good rankings. In particular, the 2019 and 2023 A4s score a 90 or better (the same applies to the A4 Allroad wagon variant).

    Meanwhile, only the 2021 Audi Q3 scores high (83 out of 100) in Consumer Reports’ reliability study. The organization only assessed the dependability of the Audi A5 Sportback for a few years. Here, the 2019, 2023, and 2025 editions do well. It’s too early to gauge the reliability of the company’s e-tron all-electric vehicle lineup.

Audi Maintenance Costs

With an average annual maintenance cost of $987, according to RepairPal, Audis are slightly more expensive to keep on the road than vehicles from key rivals Mercedes-Benz ($908) and BMW ($968). In contrast, Asian luxury brands such as Acura ($501), Genesis ($524), Lexus ($551), and Infiniti ($638) are much cheaper to maintain.*

Overall, Audi ranks among the top 10 most expensive car makes to maintain.

  • Read more about Audi maintenance costs

    Breaking down typical maintenance costs by vehicle type shows that most Audi sedans and coupes have below-average upkeep costs. This includes the Audi A3 ($741), A4 ($739), A5 ($798), and A8 ($731). Only the mid-range A6 approaches the brand’s average with a yearly maintenance outlay of $913.

    Meanwhile, crossovers like the Audi Q3 ($915) and Q5 ($928) are more costly to maintain than their passenger car counterparts. The three-row Q7 luxury SUV is especially expensive, with annual average maintenance expenses of $1,185.*

    Understand Audi maintenance costs:

Common Repairs for Audi Vehicles

Repairs are inevitable with every car, and Audis are no different. While driving habits and maintenance can affect individual vehicle reliability, reviewing known trouble areas can help owners be more informed about potential issues.

  • Read more about common Audi repairs

    Common Audi repairs and associated costs run as follows: *

    • Audi A3—Engine Oil Cooler Replacement: $887 to $1,244
    • Audi A4—Water Pump Replacement: $1,246 to $1,577
    • Audi A5—Brake Master Cylinder Replacement: $670 to $1,197
    • Audi A6—Turbocharger Assembly Replacement: $3,148 to $3,643
    • Audi A8—Heater Core Replacement: $1,650 to $2,422
    • Audi Q3—Fuel Pump Replacement: $1,095 to $1,298
    • Audi Q5—AC Refrigerant Line Replacement: $2,535 to $2,628
    • Audi Q7—Supercharger Assembly Replacement: $5,136to $5,384
    • Audi Q8—Camshaft Replacement: $4,853 to $6,750

Audi Buyer’s Guides

The best car shopper is an informed one. Before buying any used or new Audi, check back for more resources covering this automaker.
 

*Repair prices are estimates from RepairPal and may vary by model, year, location, and repair shop. Always confirm current costs with your service provider or dealership.

Get started with a FREE quote.

    • Select Year First...
    • Select Make First...