mkaresh

I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that included actual repair rates. So in late 2005 I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

We've had excellent participation by Audi owners, with over 2,000 signed up, including over 200 for the B8 A4 and A5. I'd like to provide separate stats for the B8 S4--just a matter of getting enough owners involved. So I'm grateful to JET and this forum for providing permission to post about the survey here.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Passat, for free. I'll share results in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research

redrocker55

Hey Guys...this is a GREAT website/service. It's free...it takes very little time to complete. And the website is packed with fantastic information...

I've participated for the past few years and feel it's a tremendous service.

The 2010 A4/S4 is showing attractive reliability rankings so far...check it out.

rfogleman

As soon as I get my S4 (around June), I will be joining this website/service. Thanks for sharing, and letting us all know about it. I was getting a little worried, after I ordered the car, found this website and read some of the problems the car was having...so thanks for relieving some of those worries also.

mkaresh

Updated stats were posted for the 2010 A4 last month--it's better than average so far. Not enough of the new S4 to split them out this time around, but there will be a further update in August.

To help make this happen:

Car reliability research

mkaresh

We've updated the results for the B8 A4 and S4 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010.

Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 A4: 36, better than average

2010 S4: 27, better than average, lower average odometer (3900 vs. 5900)

2009 A4: 72, about average

We'll have further updates in November and February. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Audi A4 reliability comparisons

mkaresh

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.

Also this month: updated reliability stats.

As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research

mkaresh

We've updated the results for the B8 A4 and S4 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 A4: 39, better than average

2010 S4: 39, yes, identical, lower average odometer (5600 vs. 7300)

2009 A4: 71, about average

We'll have further updates in February and May. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Audi A4 reliability ratings and comparisons

mkaresh

We've updated the results for the B8 A4 and S4 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of this year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2011 A4: 18, better than average, small sample size

2011 S4: 80, about average, very small sample size

2010 A4: 33, better than average

2010 S4: 73, about average

2009 A4: 75, about average

Repair frequencies for the S4 are being heavily affected by very common water pump failures.

We'll have further updates in May and August. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Audi S4 reliability ratings and comparisons

EF99

re: Repair frequencies for the S4 are being heavily affected by very common water pump failures

Thanks for clarifying that. That's just the 2011, or the 2010 as well?

Is there a way to get an adjusted number, subtracting the water pump issue out?

mkaresh

Sorry, I should have been clearer. The water pump issue affects the 2010, not the 2011.

I don't have an easy way to remove it. But looking at the repair reports that are posted to the site it looks half of the reported repairs might be for the water pump.