2018 Audi Q5 3.0L Petrol · NG18 APF

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 10 July 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a clean and reassuring current roadworthiness position. However, evaluating the broader trend across the last four test cycles shows a pattern that is worth careful consideration. In 2024, an advisory was raised for play in the offside front steering rack inner joint, and in 2025 this issue was repeated and expanded with an additional advisory for the nearside track rod end ball joint showing slight play at the steering rack inner joint. The repetition of the steering rack advisory across consecutive tests suggests a progressive wear issue rather than a transient concern, and although the 2026 test did not flag it, steering rack inner joints do not self-repair and may be close to a serviceable threshold. A dangerous advisory was also recorded in 2023 for a pedestrian protection fault showing on the dashboard display, which indicates an electrical or sensor calibration issue that should have been rectified at the time. The overall trend therefore shows a vehicle that is currently roadworthy but with a history of recurring steering component wear that a competent inspector should examine closely. With 56,204 recorded miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle is averaging around 7,026 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and usage class. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage across the available MOT history, suggesting consistent use rather than long periods of standing, which is mechanically beneficial as it reduces the risk of brake caliper binding, exhaust corrosion, underfloor deterioration, and 12V battery degradation from inactivity. The steady accumulation also means wear-related components such as suspension bushes, brake discs and pads, and tyres will have experienced predictable service intervals rather than calendar-based degradation alone. Given this mileage, the vehicle should have already undergone at least one timing belt or chain service, a transmission fluid change if automatic, and multiple brake fluid renewals, all of which should be verified through the service documentation. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing items to physically inspect relate to the recurring steering advisories. During a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning at low speed, and pay attention to any vagueness, wandering, or self-steering behaviour that would indicate worn inner tie rod or rack joints. With the front tyres noted as being worn on edge in 2025, uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on the current tyres would be a strong indicator that the steering geometry is out of specification and that the inner joints may now require replacement. A hoist inspection with the wheels removed would allow a technician to manually check the steering rack inner joints for play and confirm whether the slight movement previously advisory-noted has progressed. Additionally, given the 22-inch wheel fitment recorded on the previous advisory, the replacement tyres on this vehicle will be a significant ongoing expense, and any kerbing damage to the larger alloy wheels should be carefully examined. Beyond the steering concerns, the pedestrian protection system fault from 2023 warrants confirmation that the relevant repair or recalibration was carried out and that no dashboard warning lights are now illuminated. Given the age and mileage, the brake discs should be inspected for lipping and corrosion, particularly on a vehicle that may have seen mixed urban and motorway use, and the handbrake operation should be confirmed to be firm given the hill-hold electronic systems fitted to this model. The 12V battery, which on Q5 vehicles is often located under the boot floor or in the engine bay, should be load tested as these vehicles are sensitive to voltage drop which can cause a range of spurious electrical faults. Finally, verify that the digital service history has been maintained correctly, as Audi vehicles of this era require online service recording via the Audi portal, and confirm that the haldex four-wheel-drive system has been serviced at the correct intervals to ensure long-term drivetrain integrity.