Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Cadillac: Reliability Compared
Audi
10 models tracked
Cadillac
5 models tracked
Cadillac edges out Audi on used-car reliability, though only slightly. Cadillac draws fewer complaints per car sold, fewer recalls, and lower repair costs. Both brands rate good, and Audi's recent trend is improving while Cadillac's is holding stable.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Cadillac?
| Metric | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 19 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 201 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $866/yr |
Audi vs Cadillac: The Verdict
The edge goes to Cadillac, and it is a slight one. Both brands rate good, but Cadillac owners file fewer complaints per car sold, 0.6 against 1.4 for Audi. Federal recall records show far fewer recalls for Cadillac too, 97 against 332. Complaints involving crashes and injuries also run lower, and independent repair-cost data puts Cadillac about $64 a year cheaper.
The two are even on how widely problems spread across systems. Audi's trouble centers on electrical faults, 41% of its complaints. Cadillac's centers on the engine, 31%. Audi's recent trend is improving, which narrows the gap.
Where Audi and Cadillac Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Cadillac outscores by 5 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Audi vs Cadillac: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and Cadillac Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Cadillac
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Cadillac?
Based on independent repair cost data, Cadillac is cheaper to maintain at an average of $866/year compared to $930/year for Audi. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$783 – $1007/yr
Average: $866/yr
Audi vs Cadillac Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Cadillac | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 5 models) | 67/100 | 70/100 | Cadillac |
Cadillac wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Cadillac
| Component | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 16%147 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 31%288 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 16%147 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 6%60 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 4%38 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 5%47 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%28 | 4%37 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%7 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 2%20 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | — | 5%49 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Cadillac Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Cadillac
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Every Audi and Cadillac Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Cadillac Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Cadillac's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Audi | Cadillac | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 75/100(4) | Tie |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 73/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 69/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 69/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 68/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 68/100(4) | Cadillac |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 69/100(4) | Cadillac |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 71/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 77/100(1) | Cadillac |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Audi vs Cadillac: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Audi and Cadillac. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Audi vs Cadillac?
If you want the lowest-risk path, start with the Cadillac XT5. The 2019 is the pick, with no recalls on record. Watch for a "Steering Assist is Reduced" warning, which dealers often trace to a failed thermostat. Skip the 2021 Escalade because of sudden engine failure. If you want an Escalade, the 2020 is the better year, but lifter and camshaft failure can bring repairs near $15,000, so ask for service records.
If you prefer Audi, look at the Q8-E-Tron, the top-ranked Audi. The 2024 is the one to favor over the 2025, though it carries two recalls. Its clean complaint record mostly reflects little time on the road. Be careful with the E-Tron, the one Audi with a mixed record. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, then the motors shut down and the car needs a tow. If you still want one, the 2020 is the year to favor, and the 2022 has the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Cadillac?
Lean toward Cadillac, and make the 2019 XT5 your first search. It is the strongest used pick across both lineups, with good reliability, above-average standing among SUVs, and no recalls on record. Audi's Q8-E-Tron ranks first in its lineup, but it is too new to have a long record. Over five years, Cadillac's lower repair costs add up to about $320 in your favor.
Audi vs Cadillac: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Cadillac?
Which has more recalls, Audi or Cadillac?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Cadillac?
What goes wrong most often on Audi and Cadillac?
Which Audi or Cadillac model should I avoid used?
Comparing Audi vs Cadillac? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Audi and Cadillac models
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.