Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 56/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has more recalls (55) 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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 30.2 for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi A5

Good

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mixed

Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class? 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 75/100 compared to 56/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Audi A5 is in its third generation (RE10), which began in 2025. This model is early in its generation cycle, meaning it may experience typical first-year issues as its platform matures. The prior second generation (RE9) ran from 2018 to 2024 and included a significant refresh in 2022, offering a more refined and reliable experience as it matured. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is currently in its fourth generation (W177), which started in 2019 and concluded in 2023. This generation, being well into its cycle by the end of its run, generally benefited from improved reliability and refinement, having addressed early production issues. The previous third generation (W176) had a facelift in 2016, which often enhances reliability by resolving earlier model issues.

Verdict

The Audi A5 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, scoring 75/100 vs 56/100.

The Audi A5 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with an average reliability score of 75/100 versus 56/100 for the A-Class. The A5 also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 2.9 per 10,000 sold and fewer recalls, totaling 16 over eight years compared to the A-Class's 55 over seven years. While both vehicles share common issues with their electrical systems, the A-Class also struggles notably with its power train and service brakes. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates for the A5 suggest a manageable annual expense of $739, enhancing its appeal as a more reliable midsize sedan choice.

Key Differences

1Audi A5 has 39 fewer total recalls
2Audi A5 has 27.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Audi A5 scores 19 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Audi A5

—

0Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability Score	75/100	56/100
Years Tracked	8	7
Total Recalls	16	55
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.9	30.2
Year Wins	5	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class exhibit distinct problem profiles, with both models experiencing significant issues related to their electrical systems, though the A-Class has a slightly lower count of 35 complaints compared to the A5's 47. However, the A-Class faces a broader range of issues, including a notable 17 complaints related to the power train and additional concerns with service brakes and airbags, some of which are linked to crashes. In contrast, the A5's complaints are more concentrated, with fewer categories showing significant issues, and only one crash-linked steering complaint. Overall, while the A5's problems are more focused, the A-Class presents a wider array of concerns, particularly in areas critical to vehicle safety and performance.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz A-Class
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.5Low	7.2Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	4.8Average
POWER TRAIN	—None	3.5Average
STEERING	0.1Very Low	1.9Low
ENGINE	0.1Very Low	1.4Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	1.4Low
AIR BAGS	—None	1.2Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.8Very Low
TIRES	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.6Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.6Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.4Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.4Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.4Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.4Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Audi A5 incurs an annual repair expense of $739, with an average of 0.6 repair visits per year. In practical terms, this equates to approximately $3,695 over five years. While the Mercedes-Benz A-Class lacks specific repair cost data, potential buyers should consider the frequency of repairs and the associated risks of major repairs. Without concrete data for the A-Class, the Audi A5 offers a clearer picture for cost-conscious buyers, with predictable expenses and a manageable repair frequency. Thus, for those prioritizing known maintenance costs and repair predictability, the Audi A5 may present a better value.

How Does Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Edge
2022	74/1003R / 5C	65/1001R / 2C	Audi A5
2021	71/1005R / 7C	58/10015R / 11C	Audi A5
2020	70/1005R / 60C	59/1009R / 18C	Audi A5
2019	73/1003R / 12C	55/10013R / 42C	Audi A5
2018	77/1000R / 6C	48/10010R / 52C	Audi A5
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	58/100(predicted)	Audi A5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2018 Audi A5 scored 77/100 and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class scored 65/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi A5 vs the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Audi A5 is the more suitable choice for you. With a reliability score of 75/100, it stands out for its fewer recalls (16) and lower owner complaints (2.9 per 10,000 sold) compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The estimated annual repair cost of $739 and a repair frequency of 0.6 times per year suggest a more predictable ownership experience. While the Audi A5 does have some issues with the electrical system and other components, its overall performance in reliability metrics makes it a safer bet. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Mercedes-Benz brand and are willing to manage higher maintenance demands, the A-Class might still appeal to you. However, be prepared for a reliability score of 56/100, with significant recall numbers (55) and higher owner complaints (30.2 per 10,000 sold). The A-Class faces challenges primarily in its electrical system and powertrain, which could lead to increased maintenance efforts. Choosing this model may require a willingness to accept these potential drawbacks for the brand prestige it offers.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Common Questions

Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?: Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 56/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?: The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has more recalls (55) 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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 30.2 for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Audi A5 comparisons

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More Mercedes-Benz A-Class comparisons

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A4 reliability Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 3-Series reliability Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Lexus IS reliability Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Acura Integra reliability Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability by year Mercedes-Benz A-Class years to avoid

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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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