2008 Audi Q5: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Audi Q5s, from 152 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 152 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2008 Audi Q5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres26% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes26% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints16% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Steering7% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- S tronic control unit failureS tronic automatic
The S tronic automatic can suffer costly control unit failures.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check changes are smooth, with no jerks or warning lights.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Worn front ball jointsAll engines
Creaky front suspension is usually worn ball joints, which can make the steering vague.
At the viewing: Listen for creaks over bumps and feel for vague steering.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Airbag and heater recallsAll engines
There were recalls for airbags not deploying properly and for the air con’s auxiliary heater, plus a 2015 recall for possible fuel leaks.
At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out, and ask for proof the recalls were done.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Paint lifting on the wheel archesAll engines
On cars that are jet-washed a lot, paint can come off the wheel arch lips and they can rust.
At the viewing: Look closely at the edges of all four wheel arches.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 435 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 9,579 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 11,441 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 8,777 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 11,980 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 13,079 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 9,966 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 11,167 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 10,383 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 8,541 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 6,001 | Suspension 30% |
| 2012 | 4,436 | Suspension 32% |
| 2011 | 5,266 | Suspension 37% |
| 2010 | 3,453 | Suspension 43% |
| 2009 | 3,548 | Suspension 45% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Audi Q5s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score