Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi A5 vs BMW i4: Reliability Compared
Audi A5
BMW i4
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the BMW i4? 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 Audi A5 currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Audi A5 is more reliable than the BMW i4, scoring 76/100 vs 74/100.
Key Differences
- 1Audi A5 scores 2 points higher in reliability
- 2Audi A5 has 2 fewer total recalls
- 3Audi A5 has 0.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Audi A5 vs BMW i4: Which Is More Reliable?
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and BMW i4?
| Component | Audi A5 | BMW i4 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.5Low | 0.5Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.5Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi A5 vs BMW i4 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi A5 | BMW i4 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 81/1000R / 0C | 73/1007R / 40C | Audi A5 |
| 2022 | 74/1003R / 5C | 72/1008R / 9C | Audi A5 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Audi A5 scored 81/100 and the 2023 BMW i4 scored 73/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Audi A5 vs BMW i4: Common Questions
- Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the BMW i4?
- Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the BMW i4?
- The BMW i4 has more recalls (18) compared to the Audi A5 (16). 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 A5 or the BMW i4?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.1 for the BMW i4. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi A5 and BMW i4? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Audi A5 and BMW i4
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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