2012 Audi Q3 2.0L Diesel · CE12 ULL

Significant mechanical risks regarding braking components and tyre wear have characterised this vehicle's recent testing history, culminating in a failure on 26 November 2025. This failure included dangerous defects for both front tyre tread depths being below the 1.6mm legal limit and rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5mm thick, alongside a major fault regarding the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 27 November 2025, the preceding year shows a pattern of consumables reaching critical wear levels, moving from advisories for thin rear brake pads and tyre wear in 2023 and 2024 to outright dangerous failures in late 2025. The vehicle has covered 105,060 miles over its approximately 14-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual usage of roughly 7,504 miles. This represents a relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age, which can sometimes result in components such as braking systems and tyres being subject to less frequent but potentially more uneven wear patterns. The consistency of the testing intervals, generally occurring annually, suggests a regular inspection cycle, though the transition from advisories to dangerous failures indicates that component replacement has not always been synchronised with the onset of wear. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the structural integrity of the rear subframe, which was flagged with corrosion in the November 2024 advisory. Although recorded as not seriously weakened at that time, the progression of corrosion on a vehicle of this age is a critical factor for long-term roadworthiness. During a test drive, it is essential to listen for any knocking, clunking, or irregular vibrations coming from the rear of the chassis, particularly when traversing uneven surfaces or bumps, as these could indicate that the subframe or its mounting points are degrading. The recent history of brake and tyre issues necessitates a thorough physical inspection of the current braking system and all four tyres. Given the previous failures regarding thin brake pads and pitted front discs, check for any pedal judder or pulsation during braking, which could indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Additionally, verify that the supplementary restraint system (SRS) warning lamp on the dashboard extinguishes as normal after the engine is started, as the 2025 failure specifically identified a fault with this system. Ensure all tyres show adequate tread depth across the entire width of the tyre to rule out the edge-wear issues noted in previous years.