Audi Q2 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with an Audi Q2?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Parking brake recall (built Jan 2017 to June 2018)

  Cars registered 2017–2018 · Built Jan 2017 to June 2018

  About 3,650 cars built January 2017 to June 2018 were recalled because the electronic parking brake could release by itself. Smaller recalls covered rear hubs and rear headrests.

  At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q2 review

• Timing chain service (1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI)

  Cars registered 2016–2025 · 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI

  Auto Express gives a timing chain change every five years or 140,000 miles, about £600 with the water pump.

  At the viewing: Ask for the service history.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q2 review

• Jerky from cold (1.5 TFSI)

  Cars registered 2016–2025 · 1.5 TFSI petrol

  Some owners report poor throttle response and jerkiness setting off from cold.

  At the viewing: Drive it from cold.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q2 review

Common Audi Q2 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Nail or damage in a tyre

  up to 1.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Brake discs

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Diesel

• Brake discs

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Audi Q2 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2016 Audi Q2 did best (87% passed first time, 10 points above all 2016 cars) and the 2022 did worst (93%, 4 points above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi Q2

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the parking brake recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the Audi Q2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the Audi Q2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the nail or damage in a tyre? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the Audi Q2 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?