A generation is a collection of years for a specific model where there isn't much change in the design, parts used, or the manufacturing process. Model years within a generation often share the same problems making them incredibly helpful for predicting problems and overall cost of ownership.
We've run the numbers and think the 3rd generation A4 (2005—2007) should be avoided. It ranks dead last in our generation reliability rankings.
The A1 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2012—2018) has been the least reliable.
The A3 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 3rd generation (2013—2020) has been the least reliable.
The A4 has 5 generations available in North American markets. The 3rd generation (2005—2007) has been the least reliable.
The A4 allroad has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The A5 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2008—2017) has been the least reliable.
The A6 has 5 generations available in North American markets. The 4th generation (2012—2018) has been the least reliable.
The A6 allroad has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The A7 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2012—2017) has been the least reliable.
The A8 has 4 generations available in North American markets. The 3rd generation (2011—2018) has been the least reliable.
The Q2 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The Q3 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2015—2018) has been the least reliable.
The Q5 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2009—2017) has been the least reliable.
The Q7 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2006—2016) has been the least reliable.
The Q8 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The R8 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2008—2015) has been the least reliable.
The RS 3 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The RS 5 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The RS 6 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The RS Q8 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The S3 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The S4 has 6 generations available in North American markets. The 5th generation (2009—2017) has been the least reliable.
The S5 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2008—2017) has been the least reliable.
The S6 has 4 generations available in North American markets. The 4th generation (2011—2018) has been the least reliable.
The S7 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2013—2017) has been the least reliable.
The S8 has 4 generations available in North American markets. The 3rd generation (2010—2018) has been the least reliable.
The SQ5 has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2014—2016) has been the least reliable.
The SQ7 has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The TT has 3 generations available in North American markets. The 1st generation (2000—2006) has been the least reliable.
The TTS has 2 generations available in North American markets. The 2nd generation (2009—2014) has been the least reliable.
The allroad has 3 generations available in North American markets. The 2nd generation (2001—2004) has been the least reliable.
The e-tron has 1 generation available in North American markets.
The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.