Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Ram: Reliability Compared
Audi
10 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Audi edges out Ram on overall reliability, but only slightly. Both rate good, and Audi leads on recall impact while Ram has milder complaints. Ram also costs less to keep running, and both brands show an improving trend. Your choice depends mostly on whether you need a truck or van.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Audi | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 1448 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $691/yr |
Audi vs Ram: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Audi, and it is a narrow one. Both brands rate good and both are trending up. Audi is stronger on recall impact, even though it has more recalls on file, 332 against 161. Ram is stronger on complaint severity, and the two are even on how widely problems spread across systems.
Money points the other way. Ram averages $691 a year in estimated repairs, against $930 for Audi. Electrical trouble tops the list for both brands, but it makes up 41% of Audi complaints and 24% of Ram complaints. Audi's weak spot is the E-Tron, which rates only mixed.
Where Audi and Ram Differ Most
| 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% | 77/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
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 (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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
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
| Component | Audi | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 24%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 15%559 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 9%330 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 6%213 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%27 | 4%152 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%11 | 4%134 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 0%9 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 0%13 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Audi and Ram Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Interestingly, both Audi and Ram show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Audi | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 70/100(2) | Audi |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 68/100(2) | Audi |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 70/100(2) | Ram |
| 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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Audi vs Ram?
If you want a car or SUV, lean Audi. The A5, Q3, A4 and Q5 all rate good. The Q8-E-Tron is the top-ranked Audi, and the 2024 is the year to look at, though it carries two recalls. Skip the E-Tron unless the price is right. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, followed by motor shutdown and a tow. If you do shop one, favor the 2020 and avoid the 2022, which has the heaviest recall load.
If you need to haul or work, lean Ram. The 1500 is the stronger Ram. Buy a 2024 and pass on the 2019. Test the touchscreen for ghost touches and ask about power steering that cuts out without warning. The Promaster rates good but below average among trucks. Look for a 2018, avoid 2019 and 2021, and check for transmission trouble and rain leaking past the windshield cowl.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Ram?
Choose by the vehicle you need, not the badge. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Audi Q8-E-Tron, but only two model years are tracked and neither has owner complaints yet, so treat that as early. The Ram 1500 is the safer proven pick. Ram's lower repair costs add up to about $1,195 less over five years.
Audi vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Ram?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Ram?
What problems are most common on Audi and Ram?
Which Audi or Ram model should I avoid?
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 score Audi and Ram 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.