At a Glance
The Audi A5 has 6 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the 8T (2007-2016) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 1.1M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Audi A5 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Audi A5 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Audi A5 Generations
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Most Common Audi A5 MOT Failures
Every reason Audi A5 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 21.65% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 15.84% |
| 3 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 6.76% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.39% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.74% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.24% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.22% |
| 8 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.76% |
| 9 | Headlamp fault | 2.97% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.68% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 2.36% |
| 12 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.12% |
| 13 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.09% |
| 14 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.07% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 1.37% |
| 16 | Exhaust system fault | 1.35% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.30% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 1.22% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.02% |
| 20 | Stop lamp not working | 0.95% |
| 21 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.86% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 0.83% |
| 23 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.75% |
| 24 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.64% |
| 25 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.51% |
| 26 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.47% |
| 27 | ABS fault | 0.42% |
| 28 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.40% |
| 29 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.37% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.34% |
| 31 | Seat belt condition | 0.31% |
| 32 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.30% |
| 33 | Front lamp not working | 0.26% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 35 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.23% |
| 36 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.21% |
| 37 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.20% |
| 38 | Track rod end worn | 0.19% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.19% |
| 40 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 41 | Front passenger door fault | 0.17% |
| 42 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.16% |
| 43 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.15% |
| 44 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 45 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.13% |
| 46 | Horn not working | 0.13% |
| 47 | Front suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 48 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 49 | Rear lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 50 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 51 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.11% |
| 52 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 53 | Driver door fault | 0.08% |
| 54 | Fog lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 55 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 57 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 58 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 59 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 60 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 61 | Rear suspension fault | 0.05% |
| 62 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 63 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 64 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.04% |
| 65 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 66 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 67 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 68 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 69 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 72 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 74 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 78 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 80 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 81 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 82 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 83 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 84 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 85 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.01% |
| 86 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 87 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 90 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 92 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 94 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 95 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 97 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 100 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 103 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 106 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 115 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 126 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 137 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Parking brake condition | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 164 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 167 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 168 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi A5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Audi A5, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi A5 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.1M Audi A5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Compression ignition emissions above threshold". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Audi A5 generation has the most problems?
The Audi A5 8T (2007-2016) (2007–2016) has the highest number of identified common problems (6). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Audi A5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi A5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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