Audis are high-performance, luxury vehicles made in Germany. Audi owners don’t typically choose an Audi for reliability and longevity, but for its style and performance. So, how long do Audis last? Are they reliable? What are the most reliable models? How do they compare to other luxury car brands?
Audis are high-performance vehicles with average longevity. They last approximately 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years on average. The typical lifespan across all vehicle makes and models is 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years. Some Audi owners report mileage far above 200,000 miles. They do require regular and rigorous maintenance and care in order to last as long as possible.
Table of Contents
- How Many Miles Do Audis Last?
- How Many Years Do Audis Last?
- Are Audis Reliable?
- What are the Most Reliable Audi Models?
- What are the Least Reliable Audis?
- What are Common Problems with Audis?
- What About Audi’s New Electric Vehicles?
- How Long Does the Audi A3 Last?
- How Long Does the Audi A4 Last?
- How Long Does the Audi A5 Last?
- How Long Does the Audi Q5 Last?
- How Long Does the Audi Q7 Last?
- Lifespan of the Most Reliable Audi Models
- How Can I Make My Audi Last Longer?
How Many Miles Do Audis Last?
A well-maintained and cared-for Audi can last up to 150,000-200,000 miles. However, many Audi owners have reports of vehicles lasting well past the 200,000-mile mark.
The average vehicle, across all makes and models, lasts 150,000-200,000 miles. So, Audi falls within the range of a normal vehicle lifespan.
How Many Years Do Audis Last?
Typically, vehicles average around 15,000 miles per year. If we crunch the numbers, we see that Audis should last around 10-13 years. This falls in line with the average lifespan across all vehicle makes and models.
Are Audis Reliable?
German cars are known for luxury and performance. Audi is no different. It is a sleek, fast, attractive vehicle. However, it has a reputation for poor reliability. After all, often high performance also equals high maintenance.
According to Consumer Reports, Audi has made some progress in manufacturing vehicles that are fast, luxurious, and more reliable. They have risen to the middle of the pack as far as reliability.
Reliability Ratings
Overall, Audi ranks 28th for reliability across 32 car brands. Repair Pal gives it a 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability. This ranking is based on the cost, frequency, and severity of repairs across 345 different vehicles.
Repair Statistics
Audi recommends using an Audi-certified mechanic for all maintenance and repairs. You will pay extra at the shop when you use a certified mechanic. For one, they use imported Audi-certified parts. Also, becoming Audi certified requires mechanics to take extra training, and enables them to charge more per hour for labor.
The average cost for maintenance on an Audi is $987 per year. This includes regular maintenance and unscheduled repairs. This is significantly more than the average annual maintenance cost of $652 across all vehicles.
On average, an Audi will visit the mechanic 0.8 times per year for unscheduled repairs. This is also higher than the average for all vehicles. The average across all vehicles for unscheduled repairs is 0.4 visits per year across all makes and models.
A repair is considered severe if the price is at least three times the average annual repair cost. This is a major repair. The likelihood of a severe repair for an Audi is 13 percent. There is a 12 percent probability of a repair being considered severe across all vehicles.
What are the Most Reliable Audi Models?
The 2019 Audi TT is considered to be one of Audi’s most reliable vehicles ever made. According to U.S. News and World Reports, The Audi TT receives higher than average reliability ratings for luxury vehicles, and ranked number 9 for luxury vehicles in 2019.
Audi’s full-size SUV, the Audi Q7 receives top marks for reliability from Cars.com. The 2020 model in particular has received a lot of praise for reliability and comfort.
What are the Least Reliable Audis?
The 2002-2011 Audi A4 has the most complaints about reliability over the years. It has reported significant, and frequent engine issues, including busted timing chains and excessive oil consumption. However, the A4 saw a significant improvement in reliability ratings after 2015.
Overall, the Audi A3 has ranked low in terms of reliability. Newer models have slightly improved reliability scores, but owners of used models reported frequent, major engine and transmission issues.
What are Common Problems with Audis?
While different models and model years have varying issues, there are the most common issues across all Audi cars. Research your particular make and model to see if there are any common issues or recalls.
Electronic Component Failure
Modern vehicles are full of electronic components and computerized parts. Generally speaking, the more pieces, the higher likelihood of something going wrong.
The digital display may start flashing, or lights disconnect and stop working. An Audi mechanic has the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the electronic issue and solve it.
Oil Leaks
Nobody wants to see a tell-tale brown puddle underneath the car. If you have a leaky Audi, the leak is most likely coming from the camshaft tensioner (the piece that holds the timing chain taut), or the valve cover gasket.
If either of these points has failed and caused an oil leak, they need to be replaced. A mechanic can check the engine for other possible sources of the leak as well.
Timing Chain Issues
All vehicles are prone to timing chain issues as they age. The chain will stretch and wear out over time. However, Audi has a track record of frequent timing chain issues, including sudden breakage which will cause complete engine failure.
Ignition Failure
If your Audi misfires during ignition, it could be due to an ignition coil failure, or problematic spark plugs. Either of these components can be replaced. However, if the problem is ignored, it could lead to further ignition issues and significantly costlier repairs down the line.
Exhaust Failure
Carbon accumulation is a frequent Audi complaint. The carbon accumulation could be due to many factors, including incomplete fuel combustion. In any case, the vehicle needs to be seen by a mechanic to determine the cause of the exhaust failure.
A catalytic converter replacement is an expensive prospect, so, make sure to look into all other possibilities for the issue first.
What About Audi’s New Electric Vehicles?
As you’d probably expect, Audi didn’t want to be left out of the electric car manufacturing race.
The Audi e-Tron is an all-electric Audi that can drive up to 241 miles on a single charge. The battery life (total lifespan) for the e-Tron is estimated at 500,000 miles or up to 20 years!
The Audi Q4 e-Tron is an all-wheel-drive, electric small SUV. The Audi Q4 Sportback e-Tron is available for drivers who want performance in an electric vehicle.
How Long Does the Audi A3 Last?
The Audi A3 is a stylish subcompact car with better-than-average longevity. With careful maintenance, the newer versions should last at least 200,000 miles or 13 years with an average yearly mileage of around 15,000 miles.
How Long Does the Audi A4 Last?
The Audi A4 is considered an entry-level luxury sedan. It has average longevity and can be expected to last 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years. Look for model years 2015 or newer.
How Long Does the Audi A5 Last?
The A5 is an athletic, luxurious vehicle that comes in a coupe, sedan, or convertible styles. It has an average lifespan of 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years. However, due to its high-performance nature, if it is driven hard, it may not last as long or need more frequent repairs.
How Long Does the Audi Q5 Last?
The Audi Q5 is a luxurious compact/crossover SUV. It’s very popular among consumers and is Audi’s top-selling vehicle. It should stay on the road for 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years.
How Long Does the Audi Q7 Last?
This full-sized Audi SUV is considered to be luxurious, reliable, and spacious. The Audi Q7 typically lasts 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years. However, with faithful maintenance and careful driving, some owners report longevity far past the 200,000-mile mark.
Lifespan of the Most Reliable Audi Models
Here’s the lifespan information of the most popular and reliable Audi vehicles at a glance:
| Audi Model | Vehicle Type | Lifespan (Miles) | Lifespan (Years) |
| Audi A3 | Subcompact Car | 200,000 miles | 13 years |
| Audi A4 | Sedan | 150,000-200,000 miles | 10-13 years |
| Audi A5 | Coupe | 150,000-200,000 miles | 10-13 years |
| Audi Q5 | Compact/Crossover SUV | 150,000-200,000 miles | 10-13 years |
| Audi Q7 | Full-size SUV | 150,000-200,000+ miles | 10-13+ years |
How Can I Make My Audi Last Longer?
As with any luxury car, an Audi will only treat you as well as you treat it. These luxury cars can be particular about their treatment. For the best reliability and lifespan, follow the schedule in your Audi’s owner manual.
Oil Changes
Most Audi owner manuals suggest oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles. However, it is better for the engine to get the oil changed closer to the 5,000-mile mark.
Why? Audis are performance machines. You want to give it extra care and maintenance in order to keep that powerful engine running optimally.
Replace Spark Plugs
Check your owner’s manual. Different Audi engines have different time suggestions for changing spark plugs. It is best to be diligent about changing the spark plugs in your Audi!
Old or failed spark plugs can cause misfires in the engine. A misfire occurs when one of the spark plugs or the coil pack doesn’t ignite or fire properly. Over time, misfires will damage the catalytic converter.
Replacing a catalytic converter is a much bigger expense than just replacing a few spark plugs! Save yourself potential damage and expense in the future by replacing the spark plugs regularly.
Keep Track of Fluids
There are several fluids in your vehicle that are necessary for its lifespan and dependability.
- Engine Oil – Check oil levels regularly between oil changes. Top it off as needed.
- Brake Fluid – The brake fluid needs to be flushed and changed every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first. Often performance vehicles, like Audi, need more frequent brake fluid changes.
- Coolant/Antifreeze – The coolant should be completely flushed and replaced every 40,000 miles, or when a part of the coolant system is replaced. Maintain coolant levels in between.
- Transmission Fluid – Different Audi models have different types of transmissions. Check your manual to find out how often the transmission needs to be serviced and flushed. In between transmission service appointments, make sure to maintain transmission fluid levels.
Filter Changes
There are several different kinds of filters in the Audi. Filters are designed to do just that: filter harmful particles from circulation.
- Oil Filter – The oil filter catches debris in the engine as the oil circulates. It should be changed every time you get an oil change.
- Fuel Filter – The fuel filter is designed to remove debris from inside the fuel tank. If it gets blocked, the fuel can’t flow at the precise rate the vehicle needs to run properly. Diesel engines need a new fuel filter every 40,000 miles or so, and gasoline engines need a fuel filter change less frequently. Check your manual to see what your engine requires.
- Air Filters – The air filters catch airborne particles to keep a clear flow of clean air throughout the vehicle. If these become clogged, the systems will suffer. Audi suggests changing cabin and air filters every 20,000 miles, but it is best to check them regularly. Depending on pollutants, the environment, and the season, the air filters may need to be changed more regularly.
Tire Rotations
Keep your Audi performing to the best of its capabilities with regular tire rotations. Rotating the tires is helpful to maintain safety, smooth handling, and traction.
For standard Audis, such as cars and sedans, rotate the tires every other oil change. For crossover and SUV models, get the tires rotated every oil change.
Final Thoughts
If you want an Audi, buy it for the name, performance, and style. Though some Audi models are reliable and last a long time, overall, their lifespan is considered average. Reliability and repairs can be questionable with certain models and model years. However, with careful driving and a rigorous maintenance schedule, you can enjoy your Audi for at least a decade. Happy driving!
