Audi A5 (2018)

12,088 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86.3% first-time pass rate

2018 Audi A5

CarHunch analysed 12,088 real MOT records for the 2018 Audi A5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Average reliability 6.3% above UK average
86.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
38,372
typical mileage
29,583–48,706 middle half
24.4%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.67
avg MOT failures per car
over 5.5 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2018 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.
  • ⚠️ 24.4% 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.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (74%) 8,923 87% 0.65
Diesel (26%) 3,163 84.2% 0.73
Other (0%) 1 50% 1
Diesel (0%) 1 100% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 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.

29,583
low mileage
38,372
typical
48,706
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Audi A5 vehicles fall between 29,583 and 48,706 miles.

2018 Audi A5 — Still on the Road

Strong survival — 10,839 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 96% of the peak.

11,287 10,839 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.67
Avg failures per vehicle
5.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2018 Audi A5

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 38.2%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 37.8%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 27.9%
    Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 24.1%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 23%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 21.3%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 14.5%
    COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
  • 11.1%
    Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018. 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.

UK

Other model years — Audi A5:

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021