Last updated: 2026-03-28
Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model X: Reliability Compared
Audi E-Tron
Tesla Model X
Choosing between the Audi E-Tron and the Tesla Model X? 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 Tesla Model X currently leads with an average score of 57/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Tesla Model X is more reliable than the Audi E-Tron, scoring 57/100 vs 51/100.
Key Differences
- 1Tesla Model X has 56.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 2Tesla Model X has 33 fewer total recalls
- 3Tesla Model X scores 6 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model X: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi E-Tron | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 51/100 | 57/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 106 | 73 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 80.3 | 23.6 |
| Year Wins | 2 | 6 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model X?
| Component | Audi E-Tron | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 30.8High | 3.2Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 10Above Avg | 0.5Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5.7Average | 4.7Average |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4Average | 0.9Very Low |
| STEERING | 1.3Low | 3.5Average |
| SUSPENSION | 0.7Very Low | 3.5Average |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2Low | 1.4Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2.7Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1.3Low | 1.3Low |
| ENGINE | 1.7Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 1.1Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.7Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model X Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi E-Tron | Tesla Model X | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 50/10012R / 19C | 66/1003R / 13C | Tesla Model X |
| 2024 | 48/10016R / 23C | 61/1008R / 17C | Tesla Model X |
| 2023 | 46/10022R / 30C | 47/10016R / 183C | Tesla Model X |
| 2022 | 49/10032R / 52C | 72/1000R / 0C | Tesla Model X |
| 2021 | 55/1009R / 32C | 51/10023R / 38C | Audi E-Tron |
| 2020 | 62/1004R / 1C | 51/10010R / 120C | Audi E-Tron |
| 2019 | 48/1005R / 71C | 54/1006R / 83C | Tesla Model X |
| 2018 | 50/1006R / 12C | 51/1007R / 148C | Tesla Model X |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Audi E-Tron scored 62/100 and the 2022 Tesla Model X scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model X: Common Questions
- Is the Audi E-Tron more reliable than the Tesla Model X?
- Based on our data, the Tesla Model X is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 51/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi E-Tron or the Tesla Model X?
- The Audi E-Tron has more recalls (106) compared to the Tesla Model X (73). 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 Tesla Model X?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model X has a lower complaint rate at 23.6 per 10,000 sold versus 80.3 for the Audi E-Tron. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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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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