Audi e-tron vs Tesla Model Y: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Tesla Model Y (6.3/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Audi e-tron (5.8/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Audi e-tron | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Mid-size SUV | Mid-size SUV |
| Years | 2019–2025 | 2021–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.8 out of 10 | 6.3 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 5.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Most recommended engine | Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron · Buy | Tesla Model 3 / Model Y · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 5.9/10 | 5.0/10 |
| Suspension | 7.0 out of 102 faultsCritical severity | 5.7 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
| Brakes | 6.8 out of 103 faultsCritical severity | No documented faults |
| Electronics and infotainment | No documented faults | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity |
| Airbags and safety | No documented faults | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Audi e-tron
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesElectromechanical brake booster failure and corrosion of the brake pressure unit (ABS/ESC)In 2021 Audi recalled two batches of the e-tron because of the electromechanical brake booster (2,303 cars, recall 47R1) and the corrosion of the brake pressure unit (361, recall 47R7). Both can affect the brake booster, the ABS and the ESC and lengthen the braking distance.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBolt on the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster that can work looseAudi first recalled a small batch of 2019 e-trons (recall 46P6) and, in 2026, about 96,000 e-trons and Q8 e-trons worldwide because of the bolted connection of the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster, which can work loose. It is checked and tightened free of charge.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesOvertightened bolts on the brake hoses of the Q8 e-tron (2023-2024)In 2024 Audi recalled 284 Q8 e-trons and Q8 e-tron Sportbacks built between May 2023 and March 2024 because overtightened bolts on the brake hoses can break, causing a brake fluid leak and the failure of one circuit.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tron / Q8 e-tronBattery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fireYes: in February 2024 Audi recalled 42,668 e-trons and e-tron Sportbacks built between March 2018 and March 2022 (1,453 in Germany) because voltage loss in some cell modules can cause thermal overload and fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tron / Q8 e-tronMoisture ingress at the battery connection on the early units (2019)Yes, on the early units: in June 2019 Audi recalled 1,644 e-trons worldwide because moisture could enter the battery connection and cause a short circuit, overheating and, in the worst case, fire.
Main faults of the Tesla Model Y
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRecall for insufficient mounting of the front suspension arms (built 2020-2021)In December 2021 Tesla recalled Model Y and Model 3 cars built up to June 2021 because the mounting of the front suspension arms could be insufficient, with a risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRecall for possible breakage of the front wheel hub assembly (built 2020-2021)In April 2022 Tesla recalled Model Y cars built between June 2020 and November 2021 over a possible failure of the front wheel hub assembly, with a risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyRecall for incomplete welds in the seat structure (built 2022-2024)Tesla recalled Model Y cars built between June 2022 and March 2024 (bulletin SB-24-13-003) because the structure of some seats could have incomplete welds, which reduces their strength in an accident.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: RareTesla Model 3 / Model YTotal failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model YThere are isolated cases of a traction battery being beyond repair in the Model 3: fiches-auto.fr cites a Long Range with 70,000 km and a little over four years old whose battery, valued at around €14,000, was replaced under warranty. Aviloo's measurements show normal degradation in the vast majority of units.Repair: €14,000
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model 3 / Model YFailure of the on-board charger or charging port on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Yfiches-auto.fr records owners of the Model 3 and Model Y reporting on-board AC charger faults, mobile charging cable faults or port locking that prevent charging, sometimes from the day the car was delivered. It is a minority problem, not a widespread one.
- High severityFrequency: RareTesla Model 3 / Model YFailure of the electric motor or traction unit on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y that immobilises the carElectric motor faults on the Model 3 and Model Y are rare: fiches-auto.fr records one case of a motor defect that left a dual-motor Model 3 Long Range immobilised, and ADAC places the Model 3 among the electric cars with the fewest faults.