Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Chrysler: Reliability Compared
Audi
10 models tracked
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Chrysler edges out Audi on reliability, mainly because it costs less to keep running. The lead is slight. Both brands rate good, and both are improving. Audi has fewer severe complaints, while Chrysler has the lower repair bills.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Chrysler?
| Metric | Audi | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 33 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 888 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $642/yr |
Audi vs Chrysler: The Verdict
Cost decides this one, and only by a slight edge for Chrysler. Independent repair-cost data puts Chrysler near $642 a year against $930 for Audi. Audi wins elsewhere. It draws fewer complaints per car sold, and its complaints involve fewer fires and crashes. The site also rates Audi's recall impact as stronger, even though its raw recall count is much higher.
Problems are spread across systems about evenly. Electrical faults top both lists. Chrysler adds heavy power train and steering complaints. Audi's weak spot is the older E-Tron, which can shut down and need a tow.
Where Audi and Chrysler Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Chrysler has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Audi vs Chrysler: 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
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and Chrysler Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Chrysler
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Chrysler?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $288/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Audi vs Chrysler Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Chrysler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 1 models) | 72/100 | 72/100 | Tie |
Common Problems: Audi vs Chrysler
| Component | Audi | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 27%648 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 25%597 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 13%316 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 9%221 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 9%226 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 3%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 4%96 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 0%11 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 2%57 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 0%5 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Chrysler Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Every Audi and Chrysler Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Chrysler Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Interestingly, both Audi and Chrysler show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Audi | Chrysler | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 82/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 73/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 73/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 69/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 72/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 66/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 59/100(2) | Audi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Audi vs Chrysler: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Audi and Chrysler. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Audi vs Chrysler?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean Chrysler. The Voyager is the safer minivan pick, and the 2020 is the year to buy. Skip the 2023 Voyager, which collected six recalls. On the Pacifica, target the 2024 and avoid 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 300 is the only Chrysler sedan.
If you want fewer serious incidents and more body styles, lean Audi. The A4 and A5 are good sedans, and the Q3, Q5 and Q7 are good SUVs. The Q8-E-Tron is the top-ranked Audi, but it has only two model years and no complaints yet, so treat its record as short. The 2024 is the pick over the 2025. Skip the E-Tron unless it is a 2020, the year to favor. Avoid the 2022, which carries the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Chrysler?
Shoppers who put cost first should lean Chrysler, since the gap of about $288 a year adds up to roughly $1,440 over five years. Those who want fewer fires and injuries in complaint records should lean Audi. The Q8-E-Tron ranks strongest across both lineups, but its history is short, so favor the 2024. The best proven Chrysler is the 2020 Voyager.
Audi vs Chrysler: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Chrysler?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Chrysler?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Chrysler?
What goes wrong most often on Chrysler vehicles?
Is the Audi E-Tron a reliable used SUV?
Comparing Audi vs Chrysler? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Audi and Chrysler 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.