Small SUV · 2012–2021 cars
Audi Q2 reliability
The Audi Q2 fails 9.1% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 184,404 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Audi Q2 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 9.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 184,404
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Audi Q2 performs well on MOT results. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 9.1%, against 28.4% for all cars, and it ranks 2 of 40 small SUV models. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 37% fewer MOT fails. Cars from 2016 did best, with 42% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. 2020 was the weakest year, at 34% fewer.
A good record doesn't mean you can skip the checks. Tyres are the main issue here. Look for cuts reaching the ply or cords, seen in 1.16% of tests, and tread below 1.6mm, also 1.16%. Brake pads worn below 1.5mm account for 0.95% of tests. Before you buy, check every tyre, including the spare if there is one, and ask for brake pad readings.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Audi Q2 ages
Each point is the share of Audi Q2s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Audi Q2 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7.8% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 8.7% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 9.8% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 11% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 11.7% | 22.1% |
By year
The best and worst Audi Q2 years
2016 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Q2 | 7,851 | 7.1% | 39% fewer fails | 26,067 |
| 2020 Q2 | 31,112 | 8.2% | 34% fewer fails | 28,792 |
| 2019 Q2 | 47,527 | 8.3% | 38% fewer fails | 31,701 |
| 2018 Q2 | 51,657 | 9.5% | 36% fewer fails | 35,903 |
| 2017 Q2 | 43,705 | 10.4% | 40% fewer fails | 42,988 |
| 2016 Q2 | 2,540 | 11.3% | 42% fewer fails | 50,772 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Audi Q2
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.2%13% below avg
- Brakes1.9%27% below avg
- Lights and electrics1.7%52% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.1%65% below avg
- Suspension0.4%78% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.3%63% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.3%5% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.2%10% below avg
- Wheels0.2%9% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.16% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.16% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.95% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.41% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.4% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 6
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.32% of tests
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
- 7
Headlamp aim set too low 0.32% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 8
Tyre tear from structural failure 0.3% of tests
A tear in the tyre's structure means it can fail suddenly, so it must be replaced before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi Q2's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.69%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit8.37%
- Brake pads wearing thin7.74%
- Brake disc pitted or scored6.71%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.17%
- Nail in tyre, monitor2.13%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Audi Q2
- 1
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.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
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.
- 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 Q2 covers about 8,100 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
- Petrol75%
- Diesel25%
Most common colours
Grey, Black, White, Blue, Red
Average engine size: 1.4 litres.
Compare
How the Audi Q2 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q2 | 9.1% | 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen T-Roc | 9% | 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo XC40 | 9.3% | 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Vitara | 14.8% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota C-HR | 14.2% | 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Dacia Duster | 26.9% | 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Audi models.
Questions
Audi Q2 questions, answered
Is the Audi Q2 reliable?
On MOT results, the Audi Q2 is better than average: it fails 9.1% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 2 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Audi Q2 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Audi Q2 are tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.16% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.16% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (0.95% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4.2% of its tests.
Which Audi Q2 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2016 cars do best (42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Audi Q2 do a year?
A typical Audi Q2 covers about 8,100 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 Q2 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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