Skip to content
MotorFiable

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

According to our risk index, the Tesla Model S / Model X carries less risk than the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron: 25/100 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 Tesla Model S / Model X has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «High-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) fault».

Risk index

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Tesla Model S / Model X

25

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

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

12 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 Tesla Model S / Model X reliable?

The Tesla Model S and X electric drivetrain looks sound: Auto Bild hardly records any motor or battery faults, and the documented faults are isolated. The most-cited problems with these cars fall outside this section (screen, suspension, doors).[4][5]

See the 5 of the Tesla Model S / Model X faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron and Tesla Model S / Model X
Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tronTesla Model S / Model X
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelElectricalElectrical
Displacement——
Timing——
Power249–503 hp302–1020 hp
Production2019–2025[6]2012–2026[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity23
Worst severityCritical severityCritical 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. Critical severity: High-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) fault
  2. Critical severity: Leaks from battery cooling hoses (Model S 2012-2016)
  3. Medium severity: Vibrations from worn front driveshafts
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][6]
  • Second stage: 75D, 90D, 100D, P100D, Long Range and Performance (2016-2020)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • e-tron 50 quattro, 71 kWh gross battery (2020-2022)[1][2][9]
  • e-tron 55 quattro and S, 95 kWh gross battery (2019-2022)[1][2][3]
  • First generation: Model S 60, 70, 85, P85 and D variants (2012-2016)[4][10]
  • Redesign: Long Range and Plaid (2021-2026)[11][12]
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

Tesla Model S / Model X

Other comparisons

With the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

With the Tesla Model S / Model X

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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. Fiabilité Tesla Model S (2012-2021): tous les problèmesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  5. Gebrauchtwagen-Test Tesla Model X: Der Tesla Model X macht gebraucht nur wenig ÄrgerAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 25 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. Audi e-tron (2018) - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  7. Tesla Model SWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. Tesla Model XWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  9. 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
  10. Tesla ändert Batteriegarantie: Kilometer statt Laufzeitauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 6 February 2020 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  11. Tesla Model S Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  12. Tesla Model X Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026