Is the Audi Q8-E-Tron more reliable than the Cadillac Lyriq?

Yes, by a clear margin. The Q8-E-Tron has no owner complaints on file, while the Lyriq has 143, including brake and electrical failures. Both hold a good standing, but the Audi's record is much cleaner. It also covers only two model years, so it has had less time to collect complaints.

Which has more recalls, the Q8-E-Tron or the Lyriq?

The Lyriq has far more. Federal recall records show 16 recalls across its three model years, compared with 2 for the Audi across two model years. Whichever you buy, check the VIN with the manufacturer to confirm every recall repair has been done.

What are the most common Cadillac Lyriq problems?

Electrical trouble leads, with 38 complaints. Telematics modules fail, which disables OnStar crash notification, GPS, and connectivity. Next come headlights that droop after several minutes of driving, then service brakes, with 19 complaints. Driver-assist braking with nothing ahead and reverse braking in rain are also reported.

Are there brake problems on the Cadillac Lyriq?

Yes. Of 19 brake complaints, 10 were linked to crashes. Reports describe the car failing to stop at walking pace, with the pedal sinking to the floor and no warning lights. One car climbed a curb and entered a building. The Audi has no brake complaints on file.

Which Cadillac Lyriq model year should I buy?

The 2025 is listed among the Lyriq's strongest years, so start there. The 2024 is listed among the weakest. The 2023 appears on both lists, so inspect it closely. Check recall completion, brake feel at low speed, headlight behavior, and telematics function before you buy any year.

Last updated: 2026-10-10

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi Q8 e-tron

Good

Cadillac Lyriq

Good

The Audi Q8-E-Tron comes out ahead of the Cadillac Lyriq on reliability, with no owner complaints against 143 for the Lyriq. Federal recall records add to the gap: 2 recalls for the Audi across two model years, and 16 for the Lyriq across three.

How Do the Audi Q8 e-tron and Cadillac Lyriq Generations Compare?

Every Audi in this comparison, the 2024 and 2025 model years, belongs to the second generation, called Q8 e-tron, which began in US model year 2023. The earlier e-tron generation ran 2018 and 2019, with a facelift in 2022, so those cars are a different design. The Lyriq has one generation in the US, launched for 2023. Cadillac refreshed it for 2024 and again for 2025, so each year is a slightly updated version of the same car. A shopper looking at either model will mostly see cars from the current generation.

Verdict

The Audi Q8 e-tron is more reliable than the Cadillac Lyriq, scoring 77/100 vs 68/100.

Reliability favors the Audi by a clear margin. Owners filed no complaints on the Q8-E-Tron, while Lyriq owners filed 143, including brake failures that ended in crashes. Federal recall records show 2 recalls for the Audi and 16 for the Lyriq. Both models hold a good reliability standing, so the Lyriq is not a poor choice, but its problem list is longer and more serious. The Audi's record covers only two model years, so treat the empty complaint file as encouraging rather than proof.

Key Differences

1Audi Q8 e-tron has 22.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Audi Q8 e-tron has 14 fewer total recalls
3Audi Q8 e-tron scores 9 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Audi Q8 e-tron

—

0Cadillac Lyriq

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi Q8 e-tron	Cadillac Lyriq
Reliability Score	77/100	68/100
Years Tracked	2	3
Total Recalls	2	16
Complaints per 10k Sold	0	22.9
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q8 e-tron and Cadillac Lyriq?

Nearly all the trouble sits on the Cadillac side. Telematics modules fail, which shuts off OnStar crash notification, GPS, and connectivity, and replacement parts have been back-ordered. Low-beam headlights droop within 5 to 10 minutes of driving. The service brakes are the worst area: 19 complaints, 10 crash-linked, with cars failing to stop at walking pace. Driver-assist systems have braked hard with nothing ahead, and reverse braking has triggered in rain. The Audi has no complaints on file, so it shows no pattern and no crash-linked area.

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi Q8 e-tron	Cadillac Lyriq
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	—None	6.1Average
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	4.2Average
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	3Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	1.9Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	1.8Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	—None	1.6Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	1.1Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.5Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.5Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.3Very Low

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

How Does Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi Q8 e-tron	Cadillac Lyriq	Edge
2025	78/1000R / 0C	73/1003R / 13C	Audi Q8 e-tron
2024	75/1002R / 0C	64/1006R / 106C	Audi Q8 e-tron

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron scored 75/100 and the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq scored 64/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

Who Should Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron vs the Cadillac Lyriq?

Pick the Q8-E-Tron if you want the lower-risk used EV. Its 2024 and 2025 model years have no owner complaints and few recalls, which matters most if you park in tight spaces or drive in stop-and-go traffic. Either year is a reasonable target, though both have had limited time on the road to collect complaints. Consider the Lyriq only if its price or size suits you better, and go in with a plan. Target 2025, which is listed among its strongest years. Be most cautious with 2024, which is listed among its weakest, and treat 2023 as mixed, since it appears on both the strongest and weakest lists. Before buying, confirm every open recall has been completed. Test the brakes at low speed, run the headlights for 10 minutes, and check that OnStar, GPS, and the app connect. Skip any Lyriq with an unresolved telematics or brake complaint.

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Cadillac Lyriq: Common Questions

Is the Audi Q8-E-Tron more reliable than the Cadillac Lyriq?: Yes, by a clear margin. The Q8-E-Tron has no owner complaints on file, while the Lyriq has 143, including brake and electrical failures. Both hold a good standing, but the Audi's record is much cleaner. It also covers only two model years, so it has had less time to collect complaints.
Which has more recalls, the Q8-E-Tron or the Lyriq?: The Lyriq has far more. Federal recall records show 16 recalls across its three model years, compared with 2 for the Audi across two model years. Whichever you buy, check the VIN with the manufacturer to confirm every recall repair has been done.
What are the most common Cadillac Lyriq problems?: Electrical trouble leads, with 38 complaints. Telematics modules fail, which disables OnStar crash notification, GPS, and connectivity. Next come headlights that droop after several minutes of driving, then service brakes, with 19 complaints. Driver-assist braking with nothing ahead and reverse braking in rain are also reported.
Are there brake problems on the Cadillac Lyriq?: Yes. Of 19 brake complaints, 10 were linked to crashes. Reports describe the car failing to stop at walking pace, with the pedal sinking to the floor and no warning lights. One car climbed a curb and entered a building. The Audi has no brake complaints on file.
Which Cadillac Lyriq model year should I buy?: The 2025 is listed among the Lyriq's strongest years, so start there. The 2024 is listed among the weakest. The 2023 appears on both lists, so inspect it closely. Check recall completion, brake feel at low speed, headlight behavior, and telematics function before you buy any year.

More Audi Q8 e-tron comparisons

Audi Q8 e-tron vs Tesla Model X reliability Audi Q8 e-tron vs Porsche Cayenne reliability Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW X5 reliability Audi Q8 e-tron reliability by year Audi Q8 e-tron years to avoid

More Cadillac Lyriq comparisons

Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y reliability Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability Cadillac Lyriq vs Genesis Electrified GV70 reliability Cadillac Lyriq vs BMW iX reliability Cadillac Lyriq reliability by year Cadillac Lyriq years to avoid

Decided between Audi Q8 e-tron and Cadillac Lyriq? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the Audi Q8 e-tron and Cadillac Lyriq

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue