Audi SQ5 8R (2013-2016) reliability
Audi SQ5 8R built around 2015: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Audi SQ5 8R models built around 2015 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at an Audi SQ5 8R?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 526 tests of SQ5 models registered 2013-2016.
8R 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 11 years old.
How the SQ5 8R compares
At each age below, see how the SQ5 8R holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 173,027 tests across 18 Audi models, built around 2015 (10 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.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
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.
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 SQ5 8R.
- 1
Land Rover Discovery
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.1%
No clear edge over the Audi SQ5 8R on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,509 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 2
Fiat 500X
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4%
- Dangerous
- 6%
No clear edge over the Audi SQ5 8R on these figures.
4,398 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 3
Land Rover Defender
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 18.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.5%
- Dangerous
- 3.4%
Fewer dangerous faults: 3.4%, against 4.3% for the Audi SQ5 8R.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,975 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 4
Jeep Renegade
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 28%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 6.8%
- Dangerous
- 5.4%
No clear edge over the Audi SQ5 8R on these figures.
4,467 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 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.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
9 recalls in allIncludes recalls GOV.UK files under the Audi Q5, the model this one is based on.
8 of the 9 SQ5 8R recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 6 more
Top concerns
- Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
- Side airbag gas generator canister may fail
- The collar of the wheel arch cover can become detached
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
8R variants compared
Most common issues on Audi SQ5 models of this age
This list covers every Audi SQ5 built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8R on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 216.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 38.2%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 45.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 231 tests
Looking at an Audi SQ5 8R?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Audi SQ5 8R (2013-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 231 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.