MOT failure data · 2025

Audi A5 MOT problems

Across every Audi A5 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, on 23.52% of failure items. The broadest problem area was tyres at 57.01%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.

Most common Audi A5 MOT failures

#Recorded defect AreaShare
1 Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm Tyres 23.52%
2 Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords Tyres 15.98%
3 Condition has ply or cords exposed Tyres 7.16%
4 Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction Noise, emissions and leaks 4.9%
5 Condition has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure Tyres 4.04%
6 Registration plates does not conform to the specified requirements Identification of the vehicle 3.98%
7 Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak Suspension 3.25%
8 Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively Visibility 3.06%
9 Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm Tyres 9.33%
10 Coil spring fractured or broken Suspension 8.98%

Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.

What this means if you are buying one

Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Audi A5, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.

The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Audi A5 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.

Checking a specific Audi A5?

Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.

Free MOT history is available too — the £15 report adds finance, write-off, stolen and mileage checks.

Other Audi models

Audi A5 MOT FAQs

What does a Audi A5 most commonly fail its MOT on?

The single most recorded defect on Audi A5 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", appearing on 23.52% of failure items.

Does this mean my Audi A5 will fail?

No. This is what testers recorded across every Audi A5 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Audi A5 passed 80.48% of its initial tests.

How do I see a specific Audi A5's MOT history?

Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.

See also: Audi A5 MOT pass rate · used Audi A5 buying guide · free MOT history check

Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.