Executive car · 2002–2021 cars

Audi A5 reliability

The Audi A5 fails 19.7% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 455,506 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 77/100#21 of 40 executive cars

Checking a Audi A5 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 19.7%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 30% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 455,506; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 9,400; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Audi A5 is a solid buy on the MOT evidence. Across 455,506 tests from 2022 to 2024, its first-time fail rate was 19.7%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 30% fewer MOT fails, and it ranks 21 of 40 executive car models. Cars from 2007 were the strongest, with 41% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2021 was the weakest at 15% fewer.

Tyres are the weak spot, with 17% more fails there than comparable cars, so check them closely. On the car you're looking at, check that tyre tread is not below 1.6mm, look for exposed ply or cords, and check for cuts that reach the ply or cords. Also check the coil springs for fractures or breaks.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Audi A5 ages

Each point is the share of Audi A5s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Audi A5All cars

Audi A5 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Audi A5	All cars
3	10.7%	12.3%
4	12.1%	14.1%
5	13.5%	16.4%
6	15.4%	19.1%
7	17.6%	22.1%
8	19.2%	25.5%
9	21.3%	28.8%
10	23%	31.8%
11	24.5%	34.6%
12	25.7%	37.3%
13	27.6%	39.5%
14	27.5%	41.1%
15	27.3%	42.3%
16	26%	42.9%
17	26%	43.4%

By year

The best and worst Audi A5 years

2007 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Audi A5 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 A5	3,393	10.4%	15% fewer fails	28,658
2020 A5	11,654	10.8%	17% fewer fails	32,006
2019 A5	32,196	11.9%	16% fewer fails	35,632
2018 A5	45,357	12.4%	23% fewer fails	42,266
2017 A5	56,441	14.2%	26% fewer fails	53,587
2016 A5	31,536	17.2%	24% fewer fails	62,612
2015 A5	39,551	18.7%	28% fewer fails	72,071
2014 A5	40,410	20.8%	30% fewer fails	82,040
2013 A5	40,546	22.2%	32% fewer fails	89,814
2012 A5	35,649	23.3%	35% fewer fails	98,084
2011 A5	36,784	25.2%	34% fewer fails	102,857
2010 A5	38,411	27.7%	32% fewer fails	111,250
2009 A5	22,890	28.2%	33% fewer fails	117,959
2008 A5	15,518	29%	34% fewer fails	126,634
2007 A5	5,167	26.5%	41% fewer fails	134,267

Common problems

What fails most on a Audi A5

Its weak spot is tyres: 17% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres7.9%17% above avg
Suspension5%43% below avg
Lights and electrics4.5%58% below avg
Brakes2.9%55% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.6%43% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.7%40% below avg
Body, chassis and structure1.7%42% below avg
Number plates and VIN0.6%53% above avg
Wheels0.5%16% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.6% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
2
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.76% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
3
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.39% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.33% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.27% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
6
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.15% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.93% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
8
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.91% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi A5's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit14%
Brake pads wearing thin7.44%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear6.61%
Shock absorber light oil misting4.75%
Brake disc pitted or scored4.24%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.65%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Audi A5

1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
2
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
3
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Audi A5 covers about 9,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel58.8%
Petrol41.2%
Hybrid0%
Electric0%
LPG0%

Most common colours

Black, Grey, White, Blue, Silver

Average engine size: 2.2 litres.

Compare

How the Audi A5 compares with its rivals

Audi A5 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Audi A6	20.1%	36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW 5 Series	20.4%	35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW 4 Series	14.1%	34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Audi A5	19.7%	30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mercedes-Benz E-Class	21%	27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Jaguar XF	23.1%	23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Audi A4	26.5%	21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age

Every executive car ranked in the executive car reliability index, or all Audi models.

Questions

Audi A5 questions, answered

Is the Audi A5 reliable?

On MOT results, the Audi A5 is better than average: it fails 19.7% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 21 of 40 executive car models in our index.

What fails most on a Audi A5 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Audi A5 are tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.6% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.76% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.39% of tests). By area, tyres fails 7.9% of its tests.

Which Audi A5 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2007 cars do best (41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Audi A5 do a year?

A typical Audi A5 covers about 9,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Audi A5 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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