Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Audi Q5?

Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 has more recalls (49) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 Acura ZDX or the Audi Q5?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q5 has a lower complaint rate at 10.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura ZDX

Excellent

Audi Q5

Good

Choosing between the Acura ZDX and the Audi Q5? 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 Acura ZDX currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura ZDX and Audi Q5 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Acura ZDX is in its second generation, having been redesigned in 2024. This places it relatively early in its generation cycle, which can sometimes mean that first-year issues are still being resolved. The first generation of the ZDX, which ran from 2010 to 2013, included a facelift in its final year on the market. This historical context suggests that Acura has experience refining the ZDX over time, which could enhance reliability as the current generation matures. On the other hand, detailed generation history for the Audi Q5 is not available, making it challenging to directly compare its reliability trajectory with the Acura ZDX. Without this information, potential buyers should consider other sources for insights into the Q5's platform maturity and reliability.

Verdict

The Acura ZDX is more reliable than the Audi Q5, scoring 82/100 vs 69/100.

The Audi Q5 and Acura ZDX both fall within the midsize SUV segment, but they differ notably in reliability. The Audi Q5 has a lower average reliability score of 69/100 compared to the ZDX's 82/100 and has faced 49 recalls over nine years. However, the Q5 has a lower owner complaint rate of 10.4 per 10,000 sold, while the ZDX experiences 73.6 complaints per 10,000 sold. Despite the ZDX's higher reliability score, the Q5's lower complaint rate and more extensive recall history make it the more dependable choice, particularly given that independent repair cost estimates for the Q5 are available at $928 annually, unlike the ZDX.

Key Differences

1Audi Q5 has 63.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Acura ZDX has 45 fewer total recalls
3Acura ZDX scores 13 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Acura ZDX

—

1Audi Q5

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura ZDX	Audi Q5
Reliability Score	82/100	69/100
Years Tracked	2	9
Total Recalls	4	49
Complaints per 10k Sold	73.6	10.4
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura ZDX and Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the electrical system with 110 reports, indicating it as a significant area of concern compared to the Acura ZDX, which has only 7 complaints in the same category. The Q5 also has a notable number of crash-linked complaints in the power train (3), steering (2), and service brakes (2), suggesting potential safety issues. In contrast, the Acura ZDX has fewer overall complaints, with the most prevalent issues being service brakes (13 complaints) and only one crash-linked complaint related to the power train. Both vehicles have some reported issues with forward collision avoidance, but the Q5's broader range of problems, especially in safety-related systems, suggests a more complex reliability profile.

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5 common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura ZDX	Audi Q5
SERVICE BRAKES	21.3High	0.4Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11.5Above Avg	2.4Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	13.1Above Avg	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11.5Above Avg	0.5Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	4.9Average	—None
POWER TRAIN	3.3Average	0.6Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.7Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.5Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura ZDX or Audi Q5?

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Audi Q5 incurs an annual repair cost of $928, with a repair frequency of 1.2 visits per year and a 9% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Acura ZDX is unavailable, making direct comparisons challenging. However, the Audi Q5's repair frequency and major repair risk are notable considerations for cost-conscious buyers. Assuming similar repair metrics for the Acura ZDX, the Audi Q5 may present a higher maintenance burden due to its repair frequency and major repair risk. For buyers focused on minimizing repair costs and frequency, the Audi Q5's known metrics offer a clearer picture, but the lack of data for the Acura ZDX means potential unknown risks.

How Does Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5 Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura ZDX	Audi Q5	Edge
2025	88/1000R / 0C	76/1000R / 15C	Acura ZDX
2024	76/1004R / 45C	70/1005R / 26C	Acura ZDX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura ZDX scored 88/100 and the 2025 Audi Q5 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura ZDX vs the Audi Q5?

If you prioritize reliability and are looking for a vehicle with fewer recalls, the Acura ZDX might be your best choice. With a reliability score of 82/100 and only four recalls, the ZDX stands out as a dependable option. Although the owner complaints per 10,000 sold are higher at 73.6, these complaints might be less severe or more isolated. The ZDX is ideal if you value peace of mind and a lower likelihood of dealing with recalls. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with slightly higher repair costs and prioritize a vehicle with more detailed repair data, consider the Audi Q5. It has a reliability score of 69/100, with an estimated annual repair cost of $928 and a major repair risk of 9%. Despite having more recalls, the Q5 offers detailed information about repair frequency and costs, potentially helping you budget more effectively for maintenance. Choose the Q5 if you appreciate transparency in repair expectations and are prepared for potential electrical or engine issues.

Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5: Common Questions

Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Audi Q5?: Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Audi Q5?: The Audi Q5 has more recalls (49) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 Acura ZDX or the Audi Q5?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q5 has a lower complaint rate at 10.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Acura ZDX comparisons

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More Audi Q5 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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