Is the Audi A4 more reliable than the Lexus IS?

Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Audi A4 or the Lexus IS?

The Audi A4 has more recalls (16) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A4 or the Lexus IS?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 sold versus 2.8 for the Audi A4. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS: Reliability Compared

Audi A4

Good

More Reliable

Lexus IS

Excellent

Choosing between the Audi A4 and the Lexus IS? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus IS currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi A4 and Lexus IS Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lexus IS is in its fourth generation, which began in 2024. This places it early in its generation cycle, where newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial bugs. The previous third-generation (2014–2023) received a significant facelift in 2020, indicating a well-sorted platform by the end of its run. The Audi A4, on the other hand, is currently in its sixth generation, which started in 2024. Its fifth generation (2016–2023) included a 2020 facelift, suggesting that by its conclusion, it was a mature and reliable platform. Buyers should consider that both models are on new platforms, which historically may have more teething problems compared to later in their lifecycle.

Verdict

The Lexus IS is more reliable than the Audi A4, scoring 82/100 vs 73/100.

The Lexus IS demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 82/100 compared to the Audi A4's 73/100. With only 0.7 owner complaints per 10,000 units sold and six total recalls over nine years, the Lexus IS stands out with fewer reported issues and a lower complaint rate. In contrast, the Audi A4 has a higher complaint rate of 2.8 per 10,000 units and 16 recalls in six years, with significant concerns in its electrical system and air bags. Although repair cost estimates for the Lexus IS are unavailable, the Audi A4's estimated annual repair cost is $739, suggesting potentially higher maintenance expenses.

Key Differences

1Lexus IS has 10 fewer total recalls
2Lexus IS scores 9 points higher in reliability
3Lexus IS has 2.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0Audi A4

—

3Lexus IS

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi A4	Lexus IS
Reliability Score	73/100	82/100
Years Tracked	6	9
Total Recalls	16	6
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.8	0.7
Year Wins	0	6

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A4 and Lexus IS?

The Lexus IS exhibits a notably low number of complaints, with minor issues in structure, unknown categories, and tires, the latter of which includes one crash-linked incident. In contrast, the Audi A4 faces a significantly higher volume of complaints, predominantly within the electrical system, which accounts for a striking 121 issues and includes two crash-linked incidents. Additionally, the Audi A4 has notable concerns in areas such as airbags, power train, and back over prevention, each with several complaints, including some linked to crashes. Overall, the Audi A4 presents a more diverse and severe problem profile, particularly in its electrical system, compared to the relatively minor issues observed in the Lexus IS.

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi A4	Lexus IS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.9Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.1Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	—None
TIRES	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi A4 or Lexus IS?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Audi A4 incurs an annual repair cost of $739, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Lexus IS isn't available, but industry estimates often suggest that Lexus models generally have lower maintenance costs and repair frequencies due to their reputation for reliability. For cost-conscious buyers, the Audi A4 presents a clear picture with its quantifiable costs, but the potential for major repairs might be a concern. In contrast, the Lexus IS, known for its reliability, could potentially offer a better value over time if it maintains lower repair frequencies and costs.

How Does Audi A4 vs Lexus IS Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi A4	Lexus IS	Edge
2025	81/1000R / 0C	83/1000R / 1C	Lexus IS
2023	77/1000R / 8C	83/1000R / 9C	Lexus IS
2022	72/1004R / 3C	83/1000R / 13C	Lexus IS
2021	71/1005R / 12C	83/1000R / 1C	Lexus IS
2020	65/1003R / 122C	83/1000R / 3C	Lexus IS
2018	71/1004R / 35C	81/1002R / 6C	Lexus IS

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Audi A4 scored 81/100 and the 2025 Lexus IS scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi A4 vs the Lexus IS?

If you prioritize reliability and lower owner complaints, the Lexus IS is the better choice. With a reliability score of 82/100 and just 0.7 complaints per 10,000 sold, it outperforms the Audi A4 in these areas. Although the Lexus has had six recalls, it is still significantly fewer than the Audi's 16, making it a more dependable option for those who value peace of mind. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a car with a more dynamic driving experience and are willing to manage higher running costs, the Audi A4 might appeal to you. Despite a reliability score of 73/100 and a 13% major repair risk, the A4's estimated annual repair cost of $739 and repair frequency of 0.4 times per year provide a clear picture of what to expect. However, be prepared to address potential issues with the electrical system and powertrain.

Audi A4 vs Lexus IS: Common Questions

Is the Audi A4 more reliable than the Lexus IS?: Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Audi A4 or the Lexus IS?: The Audi A4 has more recalls (16) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A4 or the Lexus IS?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 sold versus 2.8 for the Audi A4. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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More Lexus IS comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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