Acura RDX vs Audi Q5: reliability compared
From 2009 to 2026, owners filed an average of 117 complaints per model year about the Acura RDX and 76 about the Audi Q5.
Side by side
| Acura RDX | Audi Q5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2009-2026 | 2009-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,105 | 1,359 |
| Complaints per model year | 117 | 76 |
| Recalls | 15 | 33 |
| Years to avoid | 201320142015201920202021 | 20122018 |
| Best years | 20162022 | 200920202022 |
| Most common problem | Lights | Engine |
| Crash rating | 5 2025 | 5 2025 |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg combined (2026) | 24 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| RDX | Q5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lights | 617 | 31 |
| Visibility | 298 | 46 |
| Engine | 223 | 355 |
| Airbags | 191 | 258 |
| Electrical | 155 | 223 |
| Transmission | 142 | 91 |
| Fuel system | 139 | 158 |
| Driver assistance | 67 | 115 |
| Steering | 51 | 97 |
Questions about the Acura RDX vs Audi Q5
Which is more reliable, the Acura RDX or the Audi Q5?
Between 2009 and 2026, the Acura RDX has 6 years to avoid and the Audi Q5 2. The Audi Q5 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Audi Q5 drew fewer complaints per model year (76 vs 117), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the Audi Q5?
From 2009 to 2026, the Acura RDX was covered by 15 recalls and the Audi Q5 by 33.
What years of the Acura RDX and Audi Q5 should you avoid?
Acura RDX: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Audi Q5: 2012 and 2018.
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