Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Reliability Compared
Audi A5
Dodge Challenger
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Dodge Challenger? 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 Dodge Challenger, scoring 76/100 vs 74/100.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Challenger costs $89 less per year to repair
- 2Audi A5 scores 2 points higher in reliability
- 3Dodge Challenger has 2 fewer total recalls
Category Scoreboard
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 74/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 16 | 14 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 2.9 | 2.5 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $739/yr | $650/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.6/yr | 0.2/yr |
| Year Wins | 2 (2 tied) | 2 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and Dodge Challenger?
| Component | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.5Low | 0.6Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.5Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 81/1000R / 0C | 75/1002R / 38C | Audi A5 |
| 2022 | 74/1003R / 5C | 74/1002R / 8C | Tie |
| 2021 | 71/1005R / 7C | 75/1002R / 17C | Dodge Challenger |
| 2020 | 70/1005R / 60C | 77/1001R / 19C | Dodge Challenger |
| 2019 | 73/1003R / 12C | 73/1003R / 55C | Tie |
| 2018 | 77/1000R / 6C | 72/1004R / 73C | Audi A5 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Audi A5 scored 81/100 and the 2020 Dodge Challenger scored 77/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Common Questions
- Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Dodge Challenger?
- 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 Dodge Challenger?
- The Audi A5 has more recalls (16) compared to the Dodge Challenger (14). 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 Dodge Challenger?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Challenger has a lower complaint rate at 2.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 2.9 for the Audi A5. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A5 or the Dodge Challenger?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Dodge Challenger is cheaper to maintain at $650/year versus $739/year for the Audi A5.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi A5 and Dodge Challenger? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Audi A5 and Dodge Challenger
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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