Audi SQ5 FY (2017-present) reliability
Audi SQ5 FY built around 2020: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Audi SQ5 FY models built around 2020 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at an Audi SQ5 FY?
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 1,453 tests of SQ5 models registered 2017+.
About 1 in 20 diesel SQ5 cars registered in 2022 (5.8%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 414 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
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 5 years old.
How the SQ5 FY compares
At each age below, see how the SQ5 FY holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 119,144 tests across 23 Audi models, built around 2020 (5 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.
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 FY.
- 1
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
No clear edge over the Audi SQ5 FY on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,475 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Lexus UX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
Fewer dangerous faults: 2.3%, against 4.2% for the Audi SQ5 FY.
4,133 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 4.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 1.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 8.2% for the Audi SQ5 FY, both built around 2020.
1,790 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Toyota C-HR
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 2.4%
Fewer dangerous faults: 2.4%, against 4.2% for the Audi SQ5 FY.
18,295 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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
18 recalls in allIncludes recalls GOV.UK files under the Audi Q5, the model this one is based on.
All 18 SQ5 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.
How SQ5 FY cars have aged
How SQ5 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.
FY variants compared
Most common issues on Audi SQ5 models of this age
This list covers every Audi SQ5 built around 2020, 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
- 112.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 28.2%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 37.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 44.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 54.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 380 tests
Looking at an Audi SQ5 FY?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Audi SQ5 FY (2017-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 380 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.