2008 Audi S5: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi S5 first registered in 2008: we looked at the 801 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2008 Audi S5 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Audi S5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension34% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Lights and electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2008 Audi S5
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.
- 2.0 TFSI petrol
Oil burning (2.0 TFSI petrol)
The 2.0 TFSI petrol can burn a surprising amount of oil.
At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up between services.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- S tronic automatic
S tronic automatic
The S tronic gearbox doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, and repairs are costly.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check changes are smooth, with no slipping or hesitation.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- All engines
Climate control failure
The climate control can fail and is expensive to repair. Regular re-gassing helps, as it adds lubricant.
At the viewing: Make sure it blows cold, and ask when it was last re-gassed.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- quattro models
Clunks from the quattro drivetrain
Clunks or knocks from the four-wheel-drive system in normal driving can mean a fault.
At the viewing: Listen for clunks pulling away and on tight turns.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Audi S5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- How much oil does it use between services?
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi S5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi S5 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 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 272 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 379 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 728 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | 112 | Tyres 19% |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 300 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 351 | Tyres 27% |
| 2012 | 444 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 622 | Suspension 23% |
| 2010 | 831 | Tyres 28% |
| 2009 | 445 | Suspension 28% |
| 2007 | 334 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi S5 cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score