Last updated: 2026-05-15
Audi vs GMC: Reliability Compared
Audi
9 models tracked
GMC
5 models tracked
Comparing Audi and GMC on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
GMC currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Audi More Reliable Than GMC?
| Metric | Audi | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 36 | 29 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 184 | 1162 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $647/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Audi vs GMC: The Verdict
GMC edges out Audi on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 9 Audi and 5 GMC models, GMC averages 69/100 to 67/100 — a 2-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, GMC is cheaper to maintain at $647/year versus $930/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1415 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that GMC advantage.
Where Audi and GMC Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Audi | GMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 75/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where GMC scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Audi vs GMC: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
GMC
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and GMC Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
GMC
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or GMC?
Based on independent repair cost data, GMC is cheaper to maintain at an average of $647/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $283/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Audi vs GMC Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | GMC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 3 models) | 66/100 | 69/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs GMC
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Audi | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 8%100 | 27%1,443 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%131 | 22%1,163 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 40%532 | 14%742 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 7%372 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 8%410 |
| STEERING | 5%72 | 5%287 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | — | 5%245 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%23 | 3%169 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%44 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%40 | 1%34 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Audi vs GMC Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Audi owners reported 54 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 40 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 injury-related complaints. Audi has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Audi
54
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
40
Injury reports
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Every Audi and GMC Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Audi Models
Audi vs GMC Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 70/100, up from earlier years. GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Audi | GMC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(9) | 76/100(5) | GMC |
| 2024 | 67/100(7) | 75/100(5) | GMC |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 67/100(5) | Audi |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 67/100(5) | GMC |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 66/100(5) | GMC |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 68/100(5) | GMC |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 69/100(4) | GMC |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 68/100(5) | GMC |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Audi or GMC?
GMC has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Audi Q8-E-Tron leads both lineups with a score of 77/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that GMC costs less to maintain — $647/year vs $930/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1415 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Audi vs GMC: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than GMC?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Audi or GMC?
Which make has more recalls, Audi or GMC?
What are the most reliable models from Audi and GMC?
What are the least reliable models from Audi and GMC?
What are the most common problems with Audi and GMC vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Audi or GMC?
How many Audi and GMC models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Audi or GMC?
Are Audi and GMC getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Audi or GMC?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Audi or GMC?
Comparing Audi vs GMC? 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 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.