Audi Q5 FY (2017-present) reliability
Audi Q5 FY built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Audi Q5 FY models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi Q5 FY?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Audi Q5 FY models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi Q5 FY models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 69,518 tests of Q5 models registered 2017+.
About 1 in 12 diesel Q5 cars registered in 2022 (7.8%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 3,640 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 Q5 FY MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 14,230 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 30 Q5 FY MOTs (3.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 14,230 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
FY fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 8 years old.
How the Q5 FY compares
At each age below, see how the Q5 FY holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 171,464 tests across 16 Audi models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Q5 FY.
- 1
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.4%
No clear edge over the Audi Q5 FY on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Volkswagen T-Roc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 13.3% for the Audi Q5 FY, both built around 2018.
9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Skoda Karoq
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1%
- Dangerous
- 4.3%
Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 13.3% for the Audi Q5 FY, both built around 2018.
8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 2.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 13.3% for the Audi Q5 FY, both built around 2018.
1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
30 recalls in all18 of the 30 Q5 FY recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 Critical
- 14 more
Top concerns
- Software update for battery control unit
- Cylinder head cover bolts inspection
- Servicing high-voltage battery
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Q5 FY cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 559 cars.
How Q5 FY cars have aged
How Q5 FY cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as FY cars age
How each part holds up as FY cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 4% | 11% | 34% |
| Brakes | 2% | 7% | 10% | 11% |
| Emissions | 2% | 3% | 6% | 7% |
| Tyres | 11% | 14% | 18% | 19% |
| Lighting | 3% | 4% | 7% | 5% |
| Drivetrain | 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 322 to 741 cars at each age.
FY variants compared
Q5 FY variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Q5 FY variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- Q514.7%8,134 tests
Petrol
- Q511.5%6,086 tests
Most common issues on Audi Q5 models of this age
This list covers every Audi Q5 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the FY on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 116.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 37.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 45.6%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
- 54.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 14,230 tests
Looking at an Audi Q5 FY?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Audi Q5 FY (2017-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 14,230 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.