Audi is one of many luxury car brands that, apart from their premium experience and thrilling performance, have often had their reliability called into question. However, the truth is that several distinct models from the German manufacturer are still great used options that promise good or even great long-term reliability, especially if you’re willing to roll back the years a decade or so.
From compact hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs, there are plenty of reliable Audis that span several generations and model years to prove that Audi reliability is a real thing. Here are 10 of the most bulletproof Audi’s to buy in the used car market.
HotCars analyzed all Audi models, both used and brand-new, to find the specific model years with the most stellar reliability track records. Reliability ratings are courtesy of J.D. Power, while repair and maintenance costs were taken from CarEdge and RepairPal. All recall information quoted in this article was sourced directly from NHTSA. Models were ranked from least to most reliable, according to their J.D. Power reliability rating. Research was conducted in February 2024.
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10 2012 Audi A3: 81/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $710
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,035
- Recalls (NHTSA): 4
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 81/100
The Audi A3 is part of the German automaker’s compact lineup, luring in buyers with a cheaper price that still includes quality and performance. The 2012 model year might be older compared to the 2023 Audi A3, but it is the second-best of all A3s according to J.D. Power’s reliability rating of 81/100, and with an average yearly maintenance cost of $701, it’s the cheapest car to maintain on this entire list.
The 2012 Audi A3 comes with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline four-cylinder that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.
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9 2017 Audi Q5: 82/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $802
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $12,068
- Recalls (NHTSA): 5
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 82/100
For reasons unknown, Audi SUVs tend to be less reliable than the automaker’s sedans, at least according to the experts. However, that doesn’t go for the 2017 Q5, which is the best-rated Q5 on JDPower with a score of 82/100 while also being one of the most reliable Audi SUVs on the used market. The only downside is its astronomical ten-year maintenance cost, which totals out to an average of over $12,000 according to CarEdge.
That’s not all. The Audi Q5 is a good family SUV in virtually every other aspect. The entry-level 2017 model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the range-topping model offers a 3.0-liter V6 with 272 horses and 295 pound-feet. All-wheel-drive is standard on all trims.
8 2016 Audi A3: 83/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $736
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,035
- Recalls (NHTSA): 5
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 83/100
The 2016 A3 is pretty much the most reliable compact you can buy used from Audi, boasting an overall quality and reliability score of 83/100 according to J.D. Power. Better yet, just like the other A3 on this list, maintenance is almost as cheap despite the 2016 model year being newer and closer to the 2023 Audi A3, coming in at an average yearly maintenance cost of $736 according to RepairPal.
Two engine options are available on the 2016 Audi A3, the first of which is a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The second available mill is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that churns out 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.
7 2017 Audi A6: 85/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $913
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,252
- Recalls (NHTSA): 3
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 85/100
The Audi A6 is one of the German automaker’s larger executive sedans, spanning across multiple model years and generations with healthy reliability scores – including the upcoming 2024 Audi A6 e-tron. Among them, the 2017 A6 is one of the most durable of all, boasting a reliability score of 85/100, though it has a sibling we’ll mention later on that does even better. Still, the 2017 model is relatively new and up-to-date with important tech, and its average yearly maintenance cost of $913 isn’t too cheap considering its features and amenities.
The 2017 Audi A6 comes with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
6 2015 Audi Q3: 85/100
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Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $1,005
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $11,843
- Recalls (NHTSA): 2
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 85/100
The Q3 is Audi’s smallest SUV, coming in the form of a compact crossover that still offers a lush cabin with plenty of tech and peppy performance despite being an entry-level model. While there’s plenty you should know before buying a 2015 Audi Q3, one important strong point is that it’s one of the most reliable Audi SUVs according to J.D. Power’s experts, with a great rating of 85/100 and only 2 recalls to its name. However, it is slightly expensive to maintain and service over a 10-year span, with an average cost of $11,843.
The 2015 Audi Q3’s sole engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that generates 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional.
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5 2014 Audi A7: 85/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $1,283
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,824
- Recalls (NHTSA): 2
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 85/100
The Audi A7 is the brand’s second-largest executive sedan, slotting right behind the understated but refined Audi A8. The fastback model offers top-notch luxury and tech as well as a relatively powerful engine, which is why maintenance is pretty steep with an average yearly cost of $1,283. With that said, the 2014 Audi A7 is the most reliable of its kind, with a quality and reliability rating of 85/100.
All-wheel drive is the exclusive layout on all trims, and the 2014 A7 comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 that pumps out 310 horsepower and 325 horsepower or an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that delivers 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque.
4 2018 Audi A4: 85/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $739
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,054
- Recalls (NHTSA): 0
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 85/100
While not as highly rated in terms of reliability as the 2013 A4, the 2018 Audi A4 is still a bulletproof used buy with a J.D. Power score of 85/100. Better yet, it’s the only car on this list that has 0 reported recalls according to the NHTSA. It also costs an average of just $739 to maintain every year, which is significantly less than the older 2013 model. Under the hood of the 2018 Audi A4, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 252 horsepower along with 273 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional.
3 2013 Audi A5: 86/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $923
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $8,687
- Recalls (NHTSA): 3
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 86/100
As the only A5 on this list, the 2013 version is by far the most reliable of the bunch with an expert rating of 86/100, and it comes in the form of a mid-sized executive car that only costs an average of $736 to maintain yearly despite providing a spacious and high-quality interior. Better yet, with only three recalls to its name, the 2013 A5 is one of the most bulletproof cars on this list and a true testament to the reliability of Audi.
The 2013 Audi A5 sources its power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that pumps out 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel drive is standard on pretty much all trims.
2 2013 Audi A4: 87/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $828
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,054
- Recalls (NHTSA): 4
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 87/100
The 2013 Audi A4 is Audi’s mid-sized sedan alongside the slightly larger A5, and in this model year’s case, it’s the best-rated version you could buy in terms of reliability, boasting an impressive score of 87/100. Average yearly maintenance costs about $828, putting it in the middle of the pack compared to other Audis. The 2013 A4 only has 4 recalls to its name, proving that Audi reliability is a thing.
The 2013 Audi A4’s sole engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and it’s available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
1 2010 Audi A6: 89/100
Reliability And Maintenance:
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $954
- Estimated Maintenance And Repairs After 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,252
- Recalls (NHTSA): 3
- Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): 89/100
The 2010 A6 represents the pinnacle of Audi reliability not just because it’s the best-rated model of its class, but also because it’s the best-rated used Audi we found on J.D. Power as a whole, making it top this list with an amazing reliability score of 89/100. Despite being an older model, it’s a healthy investment that can last you for years if maintained adequately. It will set you back about $954 on a yearly basis.
The 2010 A6 comes with either a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6, a 300-hp 3.0-liter V6, or a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8, and front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive as an option. You can expect to pay around $950 in maintenance per year during your ownership of the 2010 A6.
Sources: J.D. Power, CarEdge, RepairPal, Audi, Edmunds.
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