2020 Audi SQ5: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi SQ5 first registered in 2020: we looked at the 1,290 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2020 Audi SQ5 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Audi SQ5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Brakes11% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
Known faults on the 2020 Audi SQ5
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.
- Built 2018 to 2020
Brake recalls (built 2018 to 2020)
Recalls covered brake master cylinders (built Aug to Nov 2018), brake piston coating that could lengthen stopping distances (built Mar to May 2018) and a part causing extra pedal travel (built Jan 2020).
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Built 2017 to 2020
Passenger airbag and mild-hybrid recalls
Passenger airbags on cars built June to July 2017 might not deploy properly (the fix is a new dashboard), and moisture could get into the starter-alternator on mild hybrids built June 2017 to March 2020.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
- Diesel
Faults on diesels
In What Car?'s survey 35% of diesels had a fault, mostly brakes, electrics and trim, and some repairs cost over £1,500.
At the viewing: Test the electrics and look for warning lights.
- All engines
Infotainment freezing and electrical glitches
Owners report infotainment freezes and connection problems, faulty lights and sensors, and a few turbo and gearbox repairs.
At the viewing: Use the screen, connect your phone, and check every light.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Audi SQ5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake recalls been done? Can an Audi dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Have the airbag and starter-alternator recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi SQ5?
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 SQ5 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 | 497 | Tyres 18% |
| 2021 | 1,032 | Tyres 17% |
| 2019 | 295 | Tyres 14% |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | 119 | Suspension 22% |
| 2014 | 1,099 | Tyres 20% |
| 2013 | 298 | Suspension 23% |
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 SQ5 cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score