Last updated: 2026-05-15
Audi vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
9 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Audi and Ram on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Audi currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Audi | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 36 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 184 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $691/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Audi vs Ram: The Verdict
Audi has a commanding reliability lead over Ram, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 12 models between the two makes: Audi at 67/100 and Ram at 57/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Ram is cheaper to maintain at $691/year versus $930/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1195 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Ram's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Audi and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Audi | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 75/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Audi's advantage in recall impact (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Audi vs Ram: 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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ram is cheaper to maintain at an average of $691/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $239/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Common Problems: Audi vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Audi | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 40%532 | 25%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%131 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 5%72 | 15%563 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 11%398 |
| ENGINE | 8%100 | 11%407 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 6%213 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%27 | 3%125 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%19 | 4%132 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%27 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%40 | 0%15 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Audi vs Ram 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. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 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
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Audi and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Audi Models
Audi vs Ram 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. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
Audi's recent trajectory is encouraging, while Ram has been trending the wrong way. For newer model years, this momentum matters.
| Model Year | Audi | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(9) | 45/100(3) | Audi |
| 2024 | 67/100(7) | 46/100(3) | Audi |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 68/100(2) | Tie |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 63/100(2) | Audi |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 61/100(2) | Audi |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 64/100(2) | Audi |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 58/100(2) | Audi |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 66/100(2) | Ram |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Ram?
Audi is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
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 Ram costs less to maintain — $691/year vs $930/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1195 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 Ram: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Audi or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Audi or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Audi and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Audi and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Audi and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Audi or Ram?
How many Audi and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Audi or Ram?
Are Audi and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Audi or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Audi or Ram?
Comparing Audi vs Ram? 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.