Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Infiniti comes out ahead of Audi on reliability, with a clear edge. Fewer complaints per car sold and lower repair costs drive the gap. Infiniti's tracked lineup is a single SUV, the QX60, while Audi offers ten models to choose from.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Audi | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $639/yr |
Audi vs Infiniti: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Infiniti. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, the complaints are less severe, repair bills run lower, and recalls weigh less. Audi's trouble centers on the electrical system, which makes up about four in ten of its complaints. Infiniti's complaints lean toward the power train, mainly the QX60's CVT.
Both brands rate good and both are improving. Audi holds up well across most of its lineup, and only the E-Tron rates mixed. Part of the gap comes from weighing one Infiniti SUV against a wide Audi range.
Where Audi and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 68/100Good |
| 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 | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Infiniti has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Audi vs Infiniti: 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
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $291/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Audi vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Infiniti
| Component | Audi | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 20%27 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 18%24 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 23%32 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 13%18 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 1%2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 8%11 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | — |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | — |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%27 | 3%4 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%17 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Audi and Infiniti Model Ranked
Audi Models
Infiniti Models
Audi vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Interestingly, both Audi and Infiniti show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Audi | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 76/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Audi vs Infiniti?
If you want the lowest running costs in a midsize SUV, lean toward the Infiniti QX60. Target the 2021 model year and look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. On a test drive, watch for shudder or hesitation, because the CVT does not always respond to repair.
If you want choice, lean toward Audi. The A5 and A4 are the sedans to start with, and the Q3 and Q5 cover smaller SUVs. For an electric SUV, the 2024 Q8 E-Tron is the pick, though it carries two recalls and has had little time to collect complaints. The 2025 has none but is newer still. Skip the older E-Tron if you can. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, then a motor shutdown and a tow. If you still want one, favor the 2020 and be wary of the 2022, which carries the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Infiniti?
Choose the Infiniti QX60 if you want cheaper, steadier ownership and can accept CVT risk. Choose Audi if you need a sedan or a wider range of body styles. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Audi Q8 E-Tron, though its record is still thin. Infiniti averages about $291 less per year in repairs, roughly $1,455 over five years.
Audi vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Infiniti?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Infiniti?
What goes wrong most often on Audis?
What is the main problem with the Infiniti QX60?
Comparing Audi vs Infiniti? 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 Infiniti 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.