2018 Audi Q2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Audi Q2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Audi Q2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Audi Q2

  16.6% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  Audi Q2

  4.9% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Audi Q2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Audi Q2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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
  26% 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
  6% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Audi Q2 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.

• Parking brake recall (built Jan 2017 to June 2018)

  Built Jan 2017 to June 2018

  About 3,650 cars built January 2017 to June 2018 were recalled because the electronic parking brake could release by itself. Smaller recalls covered rear hubs and rear headrests.

  At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q2 review

• Timing chain service (1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI)

  1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI

  Auto Express gives a timing chain change every five years or 140,000 miles, about £600 with the water pump.

  At the viewing: Ask for the service history.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q2 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Audi Q2 diesel

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

1. Has the parking brake recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2018 Audi Q2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2018 Audi Q2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?