Last updated: 2026-03-04
Audi E-Tron-GT vs Lexus IS: Reliability Compared
Audi E-Tron-GT
Lexus IS
Choosing between the Audi E-Tron-GT 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 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Audi E-Tron-GT and Lexus IS Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Lexus IS is more reliable than the Audi E-Tron-GT, scoring 82/100 vs 68/100.
The Lexus IS outshines the Audi E-Tron-GT in terms of reliability, boasting an average reliability score of 82/100 compared to the Audi's 65/100. With only 0.7 owner complaints per 10,000 units sold and six total recalls over nine years, the Lexus IS demonstrates a strong track record for dependability. In contrast, the Audi E-Tron-GT has a significantly higher complaint rate of 7 per 10,000 sold and has been subject to 46 recalls in just four years. Key differentiators include the Audi’s prevalent issues with the electrical system and power train, which contribute to its lower reliability performance.
Key Differences
- 1Lexus IS has 40 fewer total recalls
- 2Lexus IS scores 14 points higher in reliability
- 3Lexus IS has 4.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Audi E-Tron-GT vs Lexus IS: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi E-Tron-GT | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 82/100 |
| Years Tracked | 4 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 46 | 6 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 5.2 | 0.7 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 4 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi E-Tron-GT and Lexus IS?
The Lexus IS shows a relatively diverse problem profile with issues reported in structure, unknown or other categories, and tires, with one tire-related complaint linked to a crash. In contrast, the Audi E-Tron-GT's issues are concentrated predominantly in the electrical system and power train, suggesting a focus on technological and mechanical concerns. Notably, the Lexus IS's tire-related complaint with a crash link could indicate a potential safety concern that the Audi E-Tron-GT does not share. Overall, while the Lexus IS has a broader spread of issues, the Audi E-Tron-GT's problems are more concentrated in critical performance areas.
| Component | Audi E-Tron-GT | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2Low | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.2Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi E-Tron-GT vs Lexus IS Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi E-Tron-GT | Lexus IS | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 75/1001R / 0C | 83/1000R / 1C | Lexus IS |
| 2024 | 67/10010R / 1C | 83/1000R / 3C | Lexus IS |
| 2023 | 65/10015R / 10C | 83/1000R / 9C | Lexus IS |
| 2022 | 64/10020R / 10C | 83/1000R / 13C | Lexus IS |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Audi E-Tron-GT scored 75/100 and the 2025 Lexus IS scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Audi E-Tron-GT vs the Lexus IS?
Audi E-Tron-GT vs Lexus IS: Common Questions
- Is the Audi E-Tron-GT 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 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi E-Tron-GT or the Lexus IS?
- The Audi E-Tron-GT has more recalls (46) 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 E-Tron-GT or the Lexus IS?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 sold versus 5.2 for the Audi E-Tron-GT. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
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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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