2023 Audi Q5: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Audi Q5s, from 435 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 435 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 2023 Audi Q5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres10% 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.
- Brakes3% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
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.
- Faults on dieselsDiesel
In What Car?'s survey 35% of diesels had a fault, mostly brakes, electrics and trim, and some repairs cost over £1,500.
At the viewing: Test the electrics and look for warning lights.
- Infotainment freezing and electrical glitchesAll engines
Owners report infotainment freezes and connection problems, faulty lights and sensors, and a few turbo and gearbox repairs.
At the viewing: Use the screen, connect your phone, and check every light.
Looking at an Audi Q5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 2008 | 152 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Audi Q5s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score