Family SUV · 2008–2021 cars

Audi Q5 reliability

The Audi Q5 fails 15.3% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 367,224 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 84/100#5 of 59 family suvs

Checking a Audi Q5 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 15.3%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 38% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 367,224; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 9,600; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Audi Q5 is a strong performer. It ranks 5 of 59 family SUV models, with a first-time MOT fail rate of 15.3%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 38% fewer MOT fails. A 2020 car is the standout year at 48% fewer fails, while 2017 is the weakest at 18% fewer.

A good Q5 can still hide problems, so check with care. Body, chassis and structure is its weakest area, with 47% more fails than comparable cars, so examine that closely. Then check the most common failures: CV joint boots that are split or insecure (2.16% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.31%), coil springs that are fractured or broken (1.25%), and tyre cuts reaching the ply or cords (1.07%).

MOT fail rate by age

How the Audi Q5 ages

Each point is the share of Audi Q5s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Audi Q5All cars

Audi Q5 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Audi Q5	All cars
3	8.1%	12.3%
4	9.9%	14.1%
5	11.8%	16.4%
6	13.8%	19.1%
7	14.7%	22.1%
8	16%	25.5%
9	16.9%	28.8%
10	18.3%	31.8%
11	21.8%	34.6%
12	25.6%	37.3%
13	27.2%	39.5%
14	29%	41.1%
15	28.5%	42.3%

By year

The best and worst Audi Q5 years

2020 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Audi Q5 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Q5	5,101	8%	36% fewer fails	29,993
2020 Q5	21,636	7.1%	48% fewer fails	35,038
2019 Q5	38,921	8.6%	41% fewer fails	38,902
2018 Q5	50,933	10.4%	36% fewer fails	44,031
2017 Q5	39,001	15.7%	18% fewer fails	53,113
2016 Q5	43,637	13.3%	41% fewer fails	64,021
2015 Q5	40,894	15.5%	41% fewer fails	73,155
2014 Q5	34,130	16.3%	45% fewer fails	81,635
2013 Q5	24,346	17.4%	48% fewer fails	92,434
2012 Q5	17,893	21.5%	40% fewer fails	99,030
2011 Q5	20,776	25.5%	34% fewer fails	108,341
2010 Q5	14,220	27.1%	34% fewer fails	115,924
2009 Q5	15,022	29.6%	31% fewer fails	123,091
2008	714	27.6%	37% fewer fails	125,933

Common problems

What fails most on a Audi Q5

Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 47% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres4%37% below avg
Lights and electrics3.5%60% below avg
Suspension3.4%50% below avg
Body, chassis and structure3.2%47% above avg
Brakes2%63% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%59% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%31% below avg
Number plates and VIN0.4%24% above avg
Steering0.3%78% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.16% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.31% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.25% 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 1.07% 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 1.01% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
6
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.97% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
7
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.76% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
8
Headlamp aim set too low 0.75% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi Q5's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit11.58%
Brake pads wearing thin8.15%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear6.11%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.54%
Child seat limits belt inspection3.08%
Brake disc pitted or scored3%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Audi Q5

1
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
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
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 Q5 covers about 9,600 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

Diesel80.4%
Petrol18.3%
Hybrid1.3%

Most common colours

Grey, Black, Blue, White, Silver

Average engine size: 2.2 litres.

Compare

How the Audi Q5 compares with its rivals

Audi Q5 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Audi Q5	15.3%	38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Audi Q3	15.5%	29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW X3	19.9%	25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo XC60	19.5%	22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Toyota RAV4	25.3%	20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Discovery Sport	16.5%	14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai Tucson	17.5%	3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Audi models.

Questions

Audi Q5 questions, answered

Is the Audi Q5 reliable?

On MOT results, the Audi Q5 is better than average: it fails 15.3% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 5 of 59 family suv models in our index.

What fails most on a Audi Q5 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Audi Q5 are cv joint boot split or insecure (2.16% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.31% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.25% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4% of its tests.

Which Audi Q5 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Audi Q5 do a year?

A typical Audi Q5 covers about 9,600 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 Q5 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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