Used car guide

2021 Audi RS 5 Carbon Black Tfsi Quat A: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Audi RS 5 Carbon Black Tfsi Quat As, from 236 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 236 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

236MOT tests in 2025
86%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
7,800typical miles a year
22%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2021 Audi RS 5 Carbon Black Tfsi Quat A MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    22% 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.

  • Brakes
    11% 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.

  • Suspension
    6% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% 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.

  • Eleven recalls
    All engines

    Recalls covered airbags and pre-tensioners, overheating coolant pumps, overheating air con units, fuel leaks, front suspension castings, towbar locks, water in the electronics of mild hybrids, and seat frames.

    At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Auto Express: used Audi A5 (Mk2, 2016-2024) buyer’s guide

  • Electrical glitches
    All engines

    Owners report infotainment crashes, windows opening when the indicator is used, and the electric parking brake not engaging.

    At the viewing: Test the screen, windows and parking brake.

    Source: Auto Express: used Audi A5 (Mk2, 2016-2024) buyer’s guide

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022199Tyres 20%
2020108Tyres 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Audi RS 5 Carbon Black Tfsi Quat As registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score