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Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Ford Mustang Mach-E carries less risk than the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron: 32/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Battery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire»; the Ford Mustang Mach-E has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «High-voltage battery contactors overheating: loss of power».

Risk index

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Ford Mustang Mach-E

32

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron reliable?

We have found no documented faults with the electric motor or the power electronics; what is on record are two precautionary high-voltage battery recalls: moisture at the connection (first 2019 units) and cell modules with a risk of overheating (built 2018-2022). Check the chassis number and the battery's state of health.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron faults

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E reliable?

The Mach-E's electrical system has one documented weak point in Europe: the high-voltage battery contactors, which overheat and can cause a loss of power. Ford first fixed it with software (2022) and then by replacing the battery junction box (2023). No motor or battery faults have been published in Europe beyond that.[4][5][6]

See the of the Ford Mustang Mach-E fault

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron and Ford Mustang Mach-E
Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tronFord Mustang Mach-E
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelElectricalElectrical
Displacement——
Timing——
Power249–503 hp268–487 hp
Production2019–2025[7]since 2021[8][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults21
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Battery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire
  2. Critical severity: Moisture ingress at the battery connection on the early units (2019)
  1. High severity: High-voltage battery contactors overheating: loss of power
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • Q8 e-tron 50 / 55 and SQ8, 95 and 114 kWh gross batteries (2022-2025)[1][2][7]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • e-tron 50 quattro, 71 kWh gross battery (2020-2022)[1][2][11]
  • e-tron 55 quattro and S, 95 kWh gross battery (2019-2022)[1][2][3]
  • Standard Range, 75.7 kWh battery, 269-329 hp (2021-2025)[4][5]
  • Extended Range, 98.8 kWh battery, 276-375 hp (2021-present)[12][13]
  • GT, 98.8 kWh battery, 487 hp (2021-present)[12][14]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Other comparisons

With the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

With the Ford Mustang Mach-E

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi e-tron (2018 - 2022): recall por sobrecarga térmica de la batería (alerta Safety Gate 8/2024)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 26 February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026
  2. Audi-Rückruf: Defekte Akkuzellen - Brandgefahr beim E-Tronauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Schlechter Start: Audi muss verkaufte E-Trons in die Werkstatt rufenWinFuture · General press · published 11 June 2019 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  4. Rückruf Ford Mustang Mach-E: Hochvolt-Batterieauto motor und sport · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  5. Ford Mustang Mach-E: battery switch overheats after recall (KBA 013267)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 19 December 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026
  6. Fiabilité Ford Mustang Mach-E: pannes et avisfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  7. Audi e-tron (2018) - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. Ford Mustang Mach-E 1. Generation: ModellvariantenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  9. Ford Mustang Mach-E reviewDrive (antes Honest John) · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Ford Mustang Mach-EWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  11. Gebrauchtwagen-Check Audi e-tron (GE): Günstiger als ein elektrischer Fiat Grande PandaAutoScout24 Magazin · Motoring press · published 14 March 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  12. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Probleme mit dem HochvoltschützÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 28 December 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  13. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Rückruf wegen Leistungsverlustfuturezone.at · General press · published 20 October 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  14. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Rückruf wegen überhitzender Hochvoltbatterieecomento.de · Motoring press · published 24 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German