2012 Audi A5 1.7L Diesel · DF12 AAU

A chronic pattern of shock absorber degradation and wheel distortion defines the mechanical history of this vehicle. Since 2023, oil misting has been recorded across all four shock absorbers, a condition that persists into the most recent pass on 8 April 2026. The recurring mention of a distorted offside rear road wheel across multiple years, combined with a failure in April 2025 due to lighting defects, indicates a trend of lingering minor defects rather than immediate rectification. The recorded mileage of 81,850 miles is low for a fourteen year old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,846 miles per year. This low annual accumulation suggests the car has seen lighter than average use, which typically reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine internals. However, the persistence of suspension advisories despite the low mileage indicates that component degradation may be linked to age and environmental factors rather than high-mileage wear. Attention must be paid to the suspension system, specifically the shock absorbers and front suspension arm bushes. The repeated advisories for oil misting suggest the dampers are losing effectiveness. During a test drive, listen for knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing or instability after hitting a bump. The 2023 record specifically flagged wear in the lower tracking and suspension arm inner bushes on both the nearside and offside front, which can lead to imprecise steering or a pull under braking. The distorted offside rear road wheel is a recurring point of concern that has appeared in multiple tests. This should be inspected for any visible flat spots or bends, as such distortion can cause high-speed vibrations or uneven tyre wear. Ensure the vehicle tracks straight and that there is no unusual shudder through the chassis at motorway speeds. The recurring issues with the offside rear position lamps should also be verified to ensure the electrical connection is stable and not a symptom of a deeper wiring fault.