At a Glance
The Audi Q5 has 13 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the 8R (2008-2017) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 683K 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 Q5 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 Q5 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 Q5 Generations
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Most Common Audi Q5 MOT Failures
Every reason Audi Q5 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 | 18.12% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.06% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 9.18% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.67% |
| 5 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.96% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.02% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.03% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 3.79% |
| 9 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 3.30% |
| 10 | Headlamp fault | 2.14% |
| 11 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.98% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 1.94% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 1.89% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.73% |
| 15 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.19% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.15% |
| 17 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 1.00% |
| 18 | Brake performance below minimum | 0.97% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.97% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.95% |
| 21 | Stop lamp not working | 0.68% |
| 22 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 0.59% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 0.58% |
| 25 | Front lamp not working | 0.55% |
| 26 | Steering rack fault | 0.50% |
| 27 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.43% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.41% |
| 30 | Track rod end worn | 0.38% |
| 31 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.35% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.35% |
| 33 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.33% |
| 34 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.33% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.32% |
| 36 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.27% |
| 37 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.24% |
| 38 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.22% |
| 39 | Driver door fault | 0.19% |
| 40 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.19% |
| 41 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.16% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.16% |
| 43 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.16% |
| 44 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.15% |
| 45 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.15% |
| 46 | Fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 47 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 48 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 50 | Front passenger door fault | 0.10% |
| 51 | Propshaft fault | 0.10% |
| 52 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 53 | Front suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 54 | Rear lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 55 | Horn not working | 0.08% |
| 56 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 57 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 58 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 59 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 60 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 61 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 62 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 63 | Electric power steering fault | 0.04% |
| 64 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.04% |
| 65 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 66 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 67 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 69 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 70 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 71 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 72 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 73 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 74 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 79 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 82 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.01% |
| 83 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 84 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 85 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 86 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 87 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 91 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 95 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 100 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 101 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 104 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 112 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 114 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 117 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 118 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 126 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 139 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 141 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 143 | Parking brake condition | <0.01% |
| 144 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
Showing all 152 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi Q5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Audi Q5, 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 Q5 problems?
Based on analysis of 683K Audi Q5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Audi Q5 generation has the most problems?
The Audi Q5 8R (2008-2017) (2008–2017) has the highest number of identified common problems (14). 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 Q5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi Q5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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