Most reliable Audi cars
Searching for the most reliable Audi? We compare some top picks in our best-of Audi list
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 2 June 2025
The most reliable Audi is more than just a car that doesn’t break down on you. It’s got to be high-quality, comfortable, safe and economical to tick all boxes.
We’re looking at reviews, popularity, Euro NCAP safety ratings and feedback in the forums to find the most reliable Audi cars on the market.
These are our top picks for Audis you can rely on.
Which Audi cars are the most reliable?
Audi A1
Audi A3
Audi A4
Audi Q5
Audi Q7
Audi TT
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The most reliable Audi models
Audi A1
 "Audi A1 front three quarters")
The Audi A1 is considered a reliable small car that typically places around the midway point on reliability surveys.
Its popularity means that parts are readily available and inexpensive, so maintenance is easy to keep up on.
It was also awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019, with a 95% adult occupant rating and 85% for children.
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Audi A3
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The Audi A3 is another reliable Audi model that sits toward the top of reliability surveys and rankings. It shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf, so you know its build quality can be trusted.
Euro NCAP awarded the A3 the full five-stars in 2020, though adult and child occupant ratings are lower than the A1 at 89% and 81% respectively.
It can be economical as well, with the plug-in hybrid variant getting up to 256mpg WLTP. EV mode will get you up to 39 miles on a full charge.
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Audi Q5
 "Audi Q5 front")
Moving into the SUV category, the Audi Q5 is a reliable choice for something big and luxurious.
It has a now-expired five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and has safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring.
The diesel engine is strong and efficient, grabbing up to 47.1mpg from the 2.0-litre set-up.
Reviews for the Q5 are positive, ranking it as a dependable SUV that’s easy to live with.
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Audi Q4
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The Audi Q4 e-tron is arguable one of the most dependable Audi options on the market.
It’s easy to maintain, as electric cars have fewer oily engine components to upkeep, and gets a five-star Euro NCAP safety score.
The official range is up to 342 miles on a single charge, so it’s mightily efficient.
The only annoyance is you no longer get free road tax on electric cars, so that’s a cost to add on.
Audi TT
 "Audi TT front shot")
Sporty and reliable, the Audi TT is massively popular and a very dependable car to live with.
The TT shares some of its parts with the VW Golf so, again, it’s tried and tested.
Efficiency isn’t too much of an issue either, with up to 46.3mpg from the 40 TFSI model.
It’s worth noting that opting for a convertible TT gives you the added maintenance of the convertible roof function – they can run into issues like leaks and problems with the opening mechanism.
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The most reliable Audi engines
If you’ve picked your model and it’s time to narrow it down, you might be wondering which Audi engine is the most reliable.
Audi reuses some of its engines across many models, meaning it clearly has faith in their function.
There are a couple of notable engines for both petrol and diesel.
Reliable Audi petrol engines
2.0 TFSI
The 2.0-litre TFSI engine is one that’s used again and again across Audi cars. You can find it in the A3, A5, Q5 and TT to name a few.
The engine was launched back in 2004 and has been refined since.
You can even find it outside the Audi brand, appearing in the Volkswagen Golf.
3.0 TFSI V6
The 3.0-litre TFSI V6 is another reliable petrol pick that’s a bit spicier.
It’s known to be seriously strong and dependable with proper maintenance, so look for used examples with a good service history.
You can find this engine in the Audi A6, Q5 and Q7, plus some performance models like the S4 and S5.
Reliable Audi diesel engines
2.0 TDI
The 2.0-litre TDI is a tough diesel engine that’s built to last.
It can be found in the A3, A4, Q5 and TT and is usually the most efficient fuel-powered engine in any of those models.
It’s used in other brands as well. You’ll find the 2.0 TDI in Volkswagen cars like the Golf, Passat and Tiguan.
3.0 TDI V6
The 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine is another diesel option that can withstand the test of time while being genuinely exciting to drive.
You’ll find it in cars like the A6, A8, Q7 and SQ5 where it works hard to offer fuel efficiency and top tier performance.
Discover used Audi cars for sale
Audi has a respectable reputation as a reliable car manufacturer, so these aren’t the only cars from the range you can depend on.
Take a look at our full range of used Audi cars for sale to see what else catches your eye.
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