2021 Audi Q5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Audi Q5 first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 12,003 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Audi Q5 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Audi Q5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Brake pads1.8× usualAudi Q510.9% All 2021 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Brake discs: 2.8% here, against 6.1% of all 2021 cars.
Common 2021 Audi Q5 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Audi Q5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% 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 seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 Audi Q5 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.
- Diesel
Faults on diesels
In What Car?'s survey 35% of diesels had a fault, mostly brakes, electrics and trim, and some repairs cost over £1,500.
At the viewing: Test the electrics and look for warning lights.
- All engines
Infotainment freezing and electrical glitches
Owners report infotainment freezes and connection problems, faulty lights and sensors, and a few turbo and gearbox repairs.
At the viewing: Use the screen, connect your phone, and check every light.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Audi Q5 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2021 Audi Q5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi Q5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi Q5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 438 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 9,888 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 26,847 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 36,177 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 39,120 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 29,990 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 33,523 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 31,312 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 25,728 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 18,269 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 13,597 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 16,174 | Suspension 33% |
| 2010 | 10,816 | Suspension 38% |
| 2009 | 11,199 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 497 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi Q5 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score