2021 Audi S5: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi S5 first registered in 2021: we looked at the 377 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 377 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Audi S5 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Audi S5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Lights and electrics2% 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 mirrors2% 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 2021 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.
- All engines
Eleven recalls
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
- All engines
Electrical glitches
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
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Audi S5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can an Audi dealer confirm from the VIN?
- 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% |
| 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 | Tyres 23% |
| 2010 | 826 | Tyres 28% |
| 2009 | 443 | Suspension 28% |
| 2008 | 801 | Suspension 34% |
| 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 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score