Audi S5 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi S5, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 5,610 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2025 Audi S5
Cars registered in 2025 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Audi S5 as a whole.
What to check on a 2025 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007
What usually goes wrong with an Audi S5?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2007–2016 · 2.0 TFSI petrol
Oil burning (2.0 TFSI petrol)
The 2.0 TFSI petrol can burn a surprising amount of oil.
At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up between services.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- Cars registered 2007–2016 · S tronic automatic
S tronic automatic
The S tronic gearbox doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, and repairs are costly.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check changes are smooth, with no slipping or hesitation.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- Cars registered 2017–2024 · All engines
Eleven recalls
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
- Cars registered 2007–2016 · All engines
Climate control failure
The climate control can fail and is expensive to repair. Regular re-gassing helps, as it adds lubricant.
At the viewing: Make sure it blows cold, and ask when it was last re-gassed.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- Cars registered 2007–2016 · quattro models
Clunks from the quattro drivetrain
Clunks or knocks from the four-wheel-drive system in normal driving can mean a fault.
At the viewing: Listen for clunks pulling away and on tight turns.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
- Cars registered 2017–2024 · All engines
Electrical glitches
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
- Cars registered in 2014 · Built Jan to Aug 2014
Brake servo recall (built Jan to Aug 2014)
Oil could leak into the brake servo on cars built from January to August 2014, reducing brake assistance. There was a recall.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi A5 Coupe buying guide (2007-2016)
Audi S5 MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 Audi S5 did best (81% passed first time, 19 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2020 did worst (86%, 1 point below all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 90% | 89% +1 | 272 (small sample) |
| 2021 | 88% | 87% +1 | 377 (small sample) |
| 2020 | 86% | 87% -1 | 728 |
| 2017 | 89% | 80% +9 | 112 (small sample) |
| 2014 | 86% | 70% +16 | 300 (small sample) |
| 2013 | 83% | 67% +16 | 351 (small sample) |
| 2012 | 81% | 64% +17 | 444 (small sample) |
| 2011 | 81% | 62% +19 | 622 |
| 2010 | 77% | 60% +17 | 826 |
| 2009 | 77% | 59% +18 | 443 (small sample) |
| 2008 | 76% | 57% +19 | 801 |
| 2007 | 75% | 57% +18 | 334 (small sample) |
Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi S5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- How much oil does it use between services?
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- Have all the recalls been done? Can an Audi dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi S5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score