Best Used Audi Models To Buy For Reliability

Audi has been a mainstay in the automotive world since its founding in 1909, but it wouldn’t be until 1969 that the German giant would arrive in the United States. The Audi 100 was the first model that went on sale, paving the way for the models that would come in the ensuing years.

Audi

Founded

1909

Founder

August Horch

Headquarters

Ingolstadt, Germany

Owned By

Volkswagen Group

Current CEO

Gernot Döllner

If you want to save a lot of money by buying a used luxury model, we’ve listed the 10 most reliable used Audi models in the US. Using information from trusted sources, we unearth the best Audi to buy used. The different models, including discontinued ones, are from the 2000 to 2021 model years only and will help us determine the best used Audi to buy.

This article shines a spotlight on Audi models from the period 2000 to 2021 that are particularly reliable, and therefore models which would make a great used buy in 2025. We have limited the selection to these model years, as reliability data for particularly old or new models will not be as thorough.

In order to determine the reliability of each model, we have taken J.D. Power Quality And Reliability scores into consideration, in addition to the number of NHTSA-listed complaints, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. According to this data, we have then ranked the models from least to most reliable.

2017 Audi Q5

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 82/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.0 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 36 Complaints

The Audi Q5 begins our proceedings, particularly the 2017 model, which is the last year of the first generation. It has a strong J.D. Power Quality And Reliability score of 82/100 as new owners found a particular liking to the SUV. It also underlines Audi’s ambition to continuously improve its portfolio.
This Q5 generation is powered by ICE (internal combustion engine) powertrains, with the 2017 model receiving 36 consumer complaints.
Here is a breakdown of the 2017 Q5’s powertrains in the USA.

2017 Audi Q5

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

2.0L Inline-4 Gas Turbo

8-Speed Automatic

AWD

3.0L Supercharged V6 Gas

Audi Q5 Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

2016 Audi A3

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 83/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 38 Complaints

This classy subcompact model also has a decent reliability reputation. In the 2016 J.D. Power Quality And Reliability ratings, it scored an impressive 83/100, with the average score higher than the rest of its rivals in that year’s J.D. Power ‘Best Small Premium Car’ category.
As far as overall reliability is concerned, the A3 lineup did not ruffle many feathers, with five recalls coming over the years. These were, as we gathered, amended before any major issues could arise.
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2016 Audi A6

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 83/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 48 Complaints

The 2016 Audi A6 (C7 generation) formed part of the fourth-generation A6 family and was in production from 2011 to 2018. It was a solid product and a true alternative to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. In the 2016 J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings, it scored a strong 83/100.
This generation of the Audi A6 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four gas engine, a supercharged 3.0L V6, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel engine.
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2016 Audi A7

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.0 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 15 complaints

The 2016 Audi A7 Sportback is a bit of a mixed bag. While it scored impeccably in that year’s J.D. Power ratings, bringing in 85/100 in the Quality and Reliability ratings, it scored 2 out of 5 in RepairPal’s ratings. The body notes that the A7 has poor ownership costs and that repairs are more frequent, which also, perhaps, explains its slow sales.
Several engines powered the range, with the 3.0L supercharged V6 gas engine and a 3.0L turbo V6 diesel being employed throughout the first generation. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s linked to Audi’s famed Quattro (all-wheel drive) system.

Audi A7 Sportback Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

Audi’s coupe-style sedan is more of a hatchback, adding a dollop of practicality not usually expected of such a style-conscious car.

2015 Audi A5

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.0 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 8 complaints

The Audi A5 is the smooth-looking coupé and convertible variant of the A4 sedan, having first gone into production in 2007. In addition to the aforementioned body styles, the Sportback offers four doors and a more practical cabin. In 2015, as the first generation phased out, the car scored its highest score in the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings: 85. The 2015 Audi A5 is definitely one to consider when buying a used Audi.
This year’s Audi A5 is powered by a series of 2.0L turbocharged gas engines, all mated with either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels.
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2014 Audi A7

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.0 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 10 complaints

The Audi A7, based on the A6, made its debut in 2010 but arrived in the USA in 2012. It is the Sportback version of Audi’s trusted saloon and the two cars share virtually every detail – bar the exterior design. In addition to being easy on the eye, the 2014 A7 raked in the highest score of all A7s in the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings with an impressive 85/100.
Of the 10 complaints on the NHTSA’s site for the 2014 A7, most were about the fuel/propulsion system, along with individual owner complaints for areas like the suspension, steering, and vehicle structure. However, these generally appear to be isolated incidents and don’t point to a pattern of unreliability for the A7, which is why it scores a spot on this list.
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2018 Audi A4

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 20 complaints

The 2018 Audi A4 forms part of the fifth-generation (B9) of the German saloon, which came to market in 2015. The B9 is slightly bigger and 265 lbs lighter than the B8, and also introduced several firsts to the A4 bloodline like Audi’s virtual cockpit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full-color head-up display – among others. According to the J.D. Power rankings, this year’s A4 scored 85/100 in the Quality and Reliability department.
The A4 range received 20 complaints in 2018, a low number that points to few issues with this luxury sedan.
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2015 Audi Q3

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 18 complaints

The Audi Q3 went into production in 2011, but it wouldn’t be until 2015, with the facelift’s arrival, that the Q3 would make landfall in North America. In its first year on the market, it made a strong impression on buyers, with the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score coming in at 85/100. The 2015 model was recalled twice, but these were for minor issues like side marker lights that may not illuminate and a sunroof that closes when it shouldn’t. Neither issue pertains to the powertrain, which is promising.
The Q3 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged gas engine that produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft. It sends power to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with a FWD or AWD drivetrain. Overall, this is the best used Audi SUV.
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2013 Audi A4

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 87/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 106 complaints

The Audi A4 is one of the standout vehicles in the compact premium car category and one of the best used Audi models. In 2013, this A4 made its presence felt in the J.D. Power ‘Best Compact Premium Car’ category, supported by a Quality and Reliability score of 87/100. Interestingly, this is the highest score by any A4 throughout the saloon’s three-decade run. It makes it one of best used Audis on the market today.
In the US, this Audi A4, which formed part of the fourth generation (B8), was powered by two gas engines: a 3.2L V6 and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four cylinder. However, the 2013 model makes do with the latter only and offers 211 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Audi A4 B8 2009-2016 (4th Generation) Review

Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Used 4th-Gen Audi A4.

2010 Audi A6

Reliability Highlights

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 89/100

RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NHTSA Complaints: 17 complaints

The 2010 A6, part of the third-generation A6, is the best used Audi to buy in the USA. With a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 89/100, it ranks as the Audi with the highest score of all vehicles from The Four Rings’ stable. A range of turbocharged V6 and V8 gas engines powered the best used Audi. The 4.2L V8 produced a hefty 350 hp and| 325 lb-ft when it hit showroom floors, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.

Sources: Audi, J.D. Power, NHTSA, RepairPal