Audi SQ5 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi SQ5, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 4,594 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2026 Audi SQ5
Cars registered in 2026 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 SQ5 as a whole.
What to check on a 2026 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).
What usually goes wrong with an Audi SQ5?
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 2013–2016 · S tronic automatic
S tronic control unit failure
The S tronic automatic can suffer costly control unit failures.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check changes are smooth, with no jerks or warning lights.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Cars registered 2017–2020 · Built 2017 to 2020
Passenger airbag and mild-hybrid recalls
Passenger airbags on cars built June to July 2017 might not deploy properly (the fix is a new dashboard), and moisture could get into the starter-alternator on mild hybrids built June 2017 to March 2020.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
- Cars registered 2018–2020 · Built 2018 to 2020
Brake recalls (built 2018 to 2020)
Recalls covered brake master cylinders (built Aug to Nov 2018), brake piston coating that could lengthen stopping distances (built Mar to May 2018) and a part causing extra pedal travel (built Jan 2020).
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · 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.
- Cars registered 2013–2016 · All engines
Worn front ball joints
Creaky front suspension is usually worn ball joints, which can make the steering vague.
At the viewing: Listen for creaks over bumps and feel for vague steering.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Cars registered 2013–2016 · All engines
Airbag and heater recalls
There were recalls for airbags not deploying properly and for the air con’s auxiliary heater, plus a 2015 recall for possible fuel leaks.
At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out, and ask for proof the recalls were done.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · 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.
- Cars registered 2013–2016 · All engines
Paint lifting on the wheel arches
On cars that are jet-washed a lot, paint can come off the wheel arch lips and they can rust.
At the viewing: Look closely at the edges of all four wheel arches.
Source: Auto Express: used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) what to look out for
Audi SQ5 MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2014 Audi SQ5 did best (87% passed first time, 17 points above all 2014 cars) and the 2020 did worst (92%, 5 points above all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi SQ5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- Have the airbag and starter-alternator recalls been done?
- Have the brake 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 SQ5?
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