Audi A3 vs Audi Q5 tdi quattro: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Audi A3
78%
MOT pass rate · 586,036 vehicles
Audi Q5 tdi quattro
82%
MOT pass rate · 28 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Audi A3 (78%) and Audi Q5 tdi quattro (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Audi A3 | Audi Q5 tdi quattro |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% | 82% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 22% | 18% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.8 | 0.7 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 112,882 mi | 150,844 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 586,036 | 28 |
Most common faults
Audi A3
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Audi Q5 tdi quattro
- Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
- Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear lower arm bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
- Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2.5mm worn outer edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both cracking between treads (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Audi A3 (78%) and Audi Q5 tdi quattro (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Audi A3 report Full Audi Q5 tdi quattro report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.