Audi Q5 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 100,754 MOT tests on the Audi Q5 carried out in 2023. 16% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Q5s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2008 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (71% passed, +13.9 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (83%, +1.1 points). Tested cars had covered 66,526 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 4.5% of tests (slightly below the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt", on 2.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 100,754
- First-time pass rate
- 84%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +12.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 66,526
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Q5?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Q5 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 344 | 93% | 91% | +2.2 points | 24,713 |
| 2020 | 9,323 | 92% | 88% | +4.0 points | 28,944 |
| 2019 | 12,446 | 91% | 86% | +5.0 points | 35,992 |
| 2018 | 13,365 | 89% | 84% | +4.9 points | 44,438 |
| 2017 | 10,210 | 83% | 82% | +1.1 points | 53,830 |
| 2016 | 11,377 | 86% | 79% | +7.0 points | 64,668 |
| 2015 | 10,661 | 83% | 75% | +7.9 points | 73,772 |
| 2014 | 8,729 | 82% | 72% | +10.7 points | 82,552 |
| 2013 | 6,213 | 81% | 68% | +13.0 points | 92,985 |
| 2012 | 4,626 | 76% | 66% | +10.8 points | 99,587 |
| 2011 | 5,568 | 73% | 63% | +9.8 points | 108,515 |
| 2010 | 3,777 | 71% | 60% | +11.0 points | 116,863 |
| 2009 | 3,915 | 69% | 59% | +9.6 points | 123,594 |
| 2008 | 188 | 71% | 57% | +13.9 points | 125,906 |
Why the Audi Q5 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Q5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.5% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.6% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 3.4% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Brakes | 2.2% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 1.7% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.6% | 3.1% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.2% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
- 3fractured or broken1.6%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
- 7pin or bush excessively worn1.1%
- 8too low0.9%
- 9has ply or cords exposed0.8%
- 10too high0.7%
Common Q5 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Q5, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 3.8% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.8% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.6% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.0% |
Tips to help your Q5 pass
Based on where Q5s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 3.6% of Q5 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Body and structure · 3.2% of Q5 tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Q5 ULEZ compliant? See the Audi Q5 ULEZ check, or view all Audi models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 100,754 first MOT tests of the Audi Q5 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 100,754 first MOT tests of the Audi Q5.
What is the Audi Q5 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 16% of 100,754 first MOT attempts on the Audi Q5 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Audi Q5 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (4.5% of tests), lights and electrics (3.6% of tests), suspension (3.4% of tests).
Which Q5 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +13.9 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 83% (+1.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Audi Q5 covered at its MOT?
The average was 66,526 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 24,713 miles and 2008 cars 125,906.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Audi Q5?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.5% of Q5s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Q5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 100,754 Q5s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 69% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Q5's MOT history
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