2021 Audi A5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Audi A5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Audi A5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Coil springsnull× usual
  Audi A5

  2.5% All 2021 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Shock absorbers2.9× usual
  Audi A5

  4% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Engine warning light6.5× usual
  Audi A5

  2.6% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2021 Audi A5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Audi A5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Brakes
  10% 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.

• Suspension
  7% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  3% 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 seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Audi A5 diesel

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.

• Eleven recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered airbags and pre-tensioners, overheating coolant pumps, overheating air con units, fuel leaks, front suspension castings, towbar locks, water in the electronics of mild hybrids, and seat frames.

  At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi A5 (Mk2, 2016-2024) buyer’s guide

• Electrical glitches

  All engines

  Owners report infotainment crashes, windows opening when the indicator is used, and the electric parking brake not engaging.

  At the viewing: Test the screen, windows and parking brake.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi A5 (Mk2, 2016-2024) buyer’s guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Audi A5 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can an Audi dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2021 Audi A5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2021 Audi A5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 6.5× as often on the 2021 Audi A5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?