2012 Audi Q5: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2012 Audi Q5
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 automatic
S tronic control unit failure
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
- All engines
Worn front ball joints
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
- All engines
Airbag and heater recalls
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
- All engines
Paint lifting on the wheel arches
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
Every year of the Audi Q5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 438 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 9,888 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 23,046 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 26,847 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 36,177 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 39,120 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 29,990 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 33,523 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 31,312 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 25,728 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 18,269 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 16,174 | Suspension 33% |
| 2010 | 10,816 | Suspension 38% |
| 2009 | 11,199 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 497 | Suspension 41% |