Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron vs Tesla Model 3 / Model Y: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Tesla Model 3 / Model Y carries less risk than the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron: 24/100 (low risk) versus 43/100 (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 Tesla Model 3 / Model Y has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y».

Risk index

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Tesla Model 3 / Model Y

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 30 October 202613 sources How 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 Tesla Model 3 / Model Y reliable?

The electric drivetrain of the Model 3 and Model Y has had few documented problems in Europe: ADAC puts the three-year-old Model 3 at 0.7 faults per 1,000 vehicles, and Aviloo measures battery health at around 89–90% at 150,000 km. There are only isolated cases of battery, motor and, somewhat more often, on-board charger or charging port failures.^[4][5][6]

See the 3 of the Tesla Model 3 / Model Y faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron and Tesla Model 3 / Model Y
Item	Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron	Tesla Model 3 / Model Y
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Electrical	Electrical
Displacement	—	—
Timing	—	—
Power	249–503 hp	275–513 hp
Production	2019–2025^[7]	since 2019^{[4][8][9][10]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	43Moderate risk	24Low risk
Documented faults	2	3
Of high or critical severity	2	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Battery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire Critical severity: Moisture ingress at the battery connection on the early units (2019)	Critical severity: Total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Medium severity: Failure of the on-board charger or charging port on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y High severity: Failure of the electric motor or traction unit on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y that immobilises the car
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €14,000Total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model YPublished figure^[4]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	Q8 e-tron 50 / 55 and SQ8, 95 and 114 kWh gross batteries (2022-2025)^[1][2][7]	Rear-wheel drive (Model 3 276–325 hp, Model Y 275–347 hp)^[4][6][8] Long Range dual motor (441 hp)^[4][11] Performance dual motor (513 hp)^[4][12]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	e-tron 50 quattro, 71 kWh gross battery (2020-2022)^[1][2][13] e-tron 55 quattro and S, 95 kWh gross battery (2019-2022)^[1][2][3]	None
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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

Audi e-tron

Tesla Model 3 / Model Y

Other comparisons

With the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

With the Tesla Model 3 / Model Y

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Sources

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

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
Audi-Rückruf: Defekte Akkuzellen - Brandgefahr beim E-Tronauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
Schlechter Start: Audi muss verkaufte E-Trons in die Werkstatt rufenWinFuture · General press · published 11 June 2019 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Tesla Model 3 (2018-2023): 63 témoignages, problèmes connus et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
Ni un solo eléctrico baja del 86 % de batería: 500.000 tests miden la degradación de 20 modelos a los 150.000 kmtestcoches.es · Motoring press · published 4 September 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
ADAC-Pannenstatistik 2026: Die Patienten werden immer älterMotor1 Deutschland · Motoring press · published 23 April 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
Audi e-tron (2018) - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
Fiabilité Tesla Model Y (2021-2025): 19 témoignages, problèmes connus et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
Tesla Model 3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
Tesla Model YWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
Tesla Model 3 und Model Y: Akku-Degradation nach 150.000 kmelektroquatsch.de · Motoring press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
Tesla delaying Model Y Performance deliveries from Giga Berlin over drive unit issuesDrive Tesla Canada · Motoring press · published 25 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026
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