Last updated: 2026-08-24
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Reliability Compared
Audi A5
Dodge Challenger
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Dodge Challenger? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi A5 currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Audi A5 is more reliable than the Dodge Challenger, scoring 76/100 vs 74/100.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Challenger costs $89 less per year to repair
- 2Audi A5 scores 2 points higher in reliability
- 3Dodge Challenger has 2 fewer total recalls
Category Scoreboard
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 74/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 16 | 14 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 2.9 | 2.5 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $739/yr | $650/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.6/yr | 0.2/yr |
| Year Wins | 2 (2 tied) | 2 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and Dodge Challenger?
| Component | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.5Low | 0.6Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.5Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi A5 | Dodge Challenger | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 81/1000R / 0C | 75/1002R / 38C | Audi A5 |
| 2022 | 74/1003R / 5C | 74/1002R / 8C | Tie |
| 2021 | 71/1005R / 7C | 75/1002R / 17C | Dodge Challenger |
| 2020 | 70/1005R / 60C | 77/1001R / 19C | Dodge Challenger |
| 2019 | 73/1003R / 12C | 73/1003R / 55C | Tie |
| 2018 | 77/1000R / 6C | 72/1004R / 73C | Audi A5 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Audi A5 scored 81/100 and the 2020 Dodge Challenger scored 77/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Audi A5 vs Dodge Challenger: Common Questions
- Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Dodge Challenger?
- Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Dodge Challenger?
- The Audi A5 has more recalls (16) compared to the Dodge Challenger (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A5 or the Dodge Challenger?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Challenger has a lower complaint rate at 2.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 2.9 for the Audi A5. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A5 or the Dodge Challenger?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Dodge Challenger is cheaper to maintain at $650/year versus $739/year for the Audi A5.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi A5 and Dodge Challenger? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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