Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi e-tron vs BMW iX: Reliability Compared
Audi e-tron
BMW iX
Choosing between the Audi e-tron and the BMW iX? 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 suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The BMW iX currently leads with an average score of 56/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The BMW iX is more reliable than the Audi e-tron, scoring 56/100 vs 51/100.
Key Differences
- 1BMW iX has 79 fewer total recalls
- 2BMW iX has 61.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3BMW iX scores 5 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Audi e-tron vs BMW iX: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi e-tron | BMW iX |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 51/100 | 56/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 106 | 27 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 80.3 | 18.8 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi e-tron and BMW iX?
| Component | Audi e-tron | BMW iX |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 38.2High | 4.4Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 12.4Above Avg | 1.6Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5.7Average | 2.4Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4Average | 0.6Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 2.3Low | 2Low |
| STEERING | 2Low | 1.8Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2Low | 1.8Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2.3Low | 1.2Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2.7Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 1.7Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY | 0.7Very Low | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi e-tron vs BMW iX Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi e-tron | BMW iX | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 48/10016R / 23C | 60/1004R / 30C | BMW iX |
| 2023 | 46/10022R / 30C | 56/10012R / 35C | BMW iX |
| 2022 | 49/10032R / 52C | 52/10011R / 29C | BMW iX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Audi e-tron scored 49/100 and the 2024 BMW iX scored 60/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Audi e-tron vs BMW iX: Common Questions
- Is the Audi e-tron more reliable than the BMW iX?
- Based on our data, the BMW iX is more reliable with an average score of 56/100 compared to 51/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi e-tron or the BMW iX?
- The Audi e-tron has more recalls (106) compared to the BMW iX (27). 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 or the BMW iX?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW iX has a lower complaint rate at 18.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 80.3 for the Audi e-tron. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi e-tron and BMW iX? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Audi e-tron and BMW iX
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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