Audi A5 (2016)
2016 Audi A5
CarHunch analysed 8,966 real MOT records for the 2016 Audi A5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 Audi A5 passes its MOT at 85.5%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, but there's a serious caveat: 41% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is substantially higher than typical and suggests electrical, brake, or structural issues are common concerns on this model. Petrol versions perform notably better at 88.2% pass rate versus diesel at 84.7%, so if you're choosing between the two, the petrol is the safer bet.
At 56,800 miles median, these cars are running at reasonable mileage for their age, yet they're averaging 7.9 advisories per test—well above what you'd expect—indicating widespread minor wear across suspension, lights, and trim. If you're considering a 2016 A5, have a pre-purchase inspection specifically check the electrical system, brakes, and suspension components, and budget for the fact that small issues tend to stack up on this generation.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 3.5 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2016 Audi A5
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 41% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Audi A5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (77%) | 6,895 | 84.7% | 1.17 |
| Petrol (23%) | 2,071 | 88.2% | 0.96 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Audi A5 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 Audi A5 vehicles fall between 44,636 and 73,418 miles.
2016 Audi A5 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 7,931 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 93% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 Audi A5
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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38.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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37.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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27.9%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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24.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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23%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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21.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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14.5%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
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11.1%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Audi A5?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.