Audi Maintenance: Cost, Plans and Service Schedule
Audis typically have higher repair costs than other vehicles
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Whether you already own an Audi or you’re considering buying one, knowing how much you can expect to spend on maintenance and repairs is critical if you want to budget accordingly. We’ll go over how much upkeep you can expect for an Audi, how Audi’s costs compare to other automakers’ costs and what you can do to avoid paying out of pocket for repair and maintenance costs.
It costs $987 per year on average to maintain and repair an Audi, according to RepairPal, which is about $335 more than the industry average.
Jump to insightGetting maintenance done at the recommended intervals can help your Audi run smoothly and qualify for warranty coverage.
Jump to insightBuying an extended warranty or prepaid maintenance plan can help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses once the factory warranty expires.
Jump to insightAre Audis expensive to maintain?
Audis can be more expensive to maintain than other vehicles. According to RepairPal, it costs $987 per year on average to maintain and repair an Audi, which is higher than the average of $652 across all car models. RepairPal also rated Audi 3 out of 5 stars, which is an average rating. It ranked Audi No. 28 out of 32 car brands for its reliability, due to its higher annual repair and maintenance costs.
In J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Audi came in at No. 27 out of 30 car brands for dependability, earning a score of 273 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), which is much worse than the study average of 202 PP100.
How Audi compares with other automakers
While Audis tend to be more expensive to maintain compared to the average for all car models, their costs tend to be more in line with luxury brands. Here’s how Audi’s average repair and maintenance costs compare to other mid-tier and luxury brands.
| Manufacturer | Average repair and maintenance cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | $987 per year |
| Honda | $428 per year |
| Toyota | $441 per year |
| Ford | $775 per year |
| BMW | $968 per year |
| Mercedes-Benz | $908 per year |
| Land Rover | $1,174 per year |
Audi maintenance and repair costs by model
If you’re trying to budget for vehicle upkeep, it helps to know the expected costs for your particular model. The table below shows how estimated maintenance and repair costs vary for three Audi models.
| Model | Average repair and maintenance cost |
|---|---|
| Audi Q5 | $928 per year |
| Audi Q3 | $915 per year |
| Audi A5 | $798 per year |
» MORE: Average car maintenance costs
Audi maintenance cost and schedule
Automakers recommend that vehicles undergo maintenance, or regularly scheduled services, to keep them in good working order. Some manufacturers recommend the same maintenance schedule for all of their vehicles, while others give specific recommendations for each model they make. Audi maintenance costs may vary depending on the vehicle, but many prices will be the same regardless of model.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to keep your Audi running smoothly and qualify for warranty coverage.
Audi maintenance schedules
Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule varies for each of its models, so you’ll need to check your owner's manual or Audi’s website if you want the specific maintenance recommendations for your vehicle.
Example: 2023 Audi Q5 maintenance schedule
The example below shows Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule for a 2023 Audi Q5.
| Service | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Change engine oil and filter | First at 10,000 miles or 1 year, then every 20,000 miles or 2 years |
| Multipoint inspection, including your brake pads and tire repair kit | First at 10,000 miles or 1 year, then every 20,000 miles or 2 years |
| Check fluid levels and replace wiper blades | Every 20,000 miles or 2 years |
| Multipoint inspection, including your chassis, brake system, engine, lighting, suspension and tires | Every 20,000 miles or 2 years |
| Change dust and pollen filter | Every 20,000 miles or 2 years |
| Change brake fluid | Every 2 years, regardless of mileage |
| Replace spark plugs and transmission fluid | Every 40,000 miles or 6 years |
| Replace ribbed V-belt starter | Every 60,000 miles |
Audi maintenance costs
Maintenance costs are fairly easy to predict because you generally know what services you’ll need based on Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule. Then, you can budget for maintenance costs based on your vehicle’s schedule, and you can get quotes from local mechanics and dealerships.
Example: 2023 Audi Q5 maintenance costs
The table below shows typical costs for certain maintenance services for a 2023 Audi Q5. All quotes are for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| Service | Cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | $61 to $90 |
| Transmission filter and fluid change | $807 to $1,129 |
| Front and rear brake pad replacement | $983 to $1,155 |
| Spark plug replacement | $245 to $324 |
Audi repair costs
If your vehicle is still covered by Audi’s new vehicle limited warranty, which lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, most repairs should be covered under warranty, as long as they’re related to manufacturing defects. Warranties generally don’t cover any issues related to normal maintenance, abuse, damage or vehicle modifications.
In general, repair costs are harder to predict because you generally don’t know when a part or system in your vehicle will break or malfunction. Repair costs can also get worse if you don’t have the issue taken care of at the first sign of failure.
Example: 2023 Audi Q5 repair costs
The table below shows typical cost estimates for specific repair services for a 2023 Audi Q5. All quotes are for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| Issue | Service | Cost estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Steering malfunction | Front steering knuckle replacement, both sides | $3,033 to $3,390 |
| Defective air bag | Air bag control module replacement | $1,712 to $1,834 |
| Electrical system failure | Alternator replacement | $1,427 to $1,578 |
Consumer repair experience
Some ConsumerAffairs reviewers reported similar repair issues with their Audis.
Stanley, a reviewer from Massachusetts, said: “Audi has a history of its engines consuming excess oil. After testing by the dealership showed oil consumption of 1.44 quarts per [1,000] miles, Audi USA refused to provide any support even though the dealer said it was a design defect. Audi will not stand behind its product. The car has only 86,000 miles and needs a new engine[,] according to the dealership.”
Steven, a reviewer from New Jersey, had a similar issue with a similar result.
“My wife and I were both Audi people,” Steven said. “She drives a 2015 Audi Q5 and I have a fully loaded 2014 A6. Both vehicles have had their maintenance done at the dealership. We just had to pay to have her pistons replaced on her Q5 due to the ‘oil consumption’ issue (Google it). […] The repair was over [$4,000].”
How can an extended warranty help?
An extended auto warranty or a prepaid maintenance plan can potentially help you save on out-of-pocket costs.
Extended warranty plans
Before choosing a plan, shop around and compare quotes for your vehicle.
You can purchase an official Audi extended warranty plan or a plan from a third-party extended warranty company. Audi offers several Audi Pure Protection plans, including a Vehicle Service Protection plan, which offers coverage for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.
Note that extended warranties usually only cover repairs caused by manufacturing defects. If you want protection from repairs after an accident or theft, make sure you have quality car insurance.
» MORE: Pros and cons of extended auto warranties
Prepaid maintenance plans
Audi offers several prepaid maintenance plans to cover scheduled maintenance costs:
- Audi Signature Care: For 2026 models and newer
- Audi Care: For 2025 models and older
- Audi Care Select: For all models
By purchasing one of these plans in advance, you can lock in your price and potentially avoid cost increases due to inflation.
FAQ
Why are Audi repairs so expensive?
Audi repairs can be more expensive than other vehicles’ repairs because they often require specialized parts and technicians, which can drive up costs. Luxury car components also tend to be more expensive than those for non-luxury brands.
How can you save on Audi repair costs?
You can generally save on Audi repair costs by:
- Following your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule
- Using a trusted mechanic
- Shopping around and comparing quotes
- Taking care of small maintenance tasks by yourself, like replacing air filters or wiper blades
Does Audi have a maintenance schedule for severe driving conditions?
While Audi doesn’t have a specific maintenance schedule for driving in severe conditions, you may need more frequent service if any of the following are true for you:
- Most of the roads you travel on are dirty or dusty
- You live in a hot, humid climate
- You drive in stop-and-go traffic most of the time
- You haul or tow heavy equipment
- You operate your vehicle in extremely cold temperatures
If you have any questions about your vehicle’s maintenance, speak to an Audi technician to make sure you don’t fall behind.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Audi USA, “Find your Maintenance Schedule and Warranties.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- J.D. Power, “Vehicle Dependability Still Suffering Due to Pandemic Aftershocks, J.D. Power Finds.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Audi Reliability Rating.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Honda Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Toyota Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ford Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “BMW Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Mercedes-Benz Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Land Rover Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Audi Q3 Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Audi Q5 Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Audi A5 Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Get a Free Car Repair Estimate.” Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
