2012 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · NO55 WAD

The most recent MOT on 2025-09-06 showed the vehicle passed with 106,923 miles, but a prior failure on 2025-09-04 (same mileage) revealed multiple critical issues. These included front headlamp aim too low, both front tyres near legal limits or with structural damage, rear brake pads below 1.5mm, shock absorbers with oil misting, and a worn front suspension ball joint. The proximity of the failure and subsequent pass suggests urgent repairs were made, but the severity of the defects highlights significant safety and reliability concerns. A recurring pattern of suspension and shock wear is evident across multiple MOTs. The 2023-09-14 test noted worn suspension bushings, while the 2022-09-28 test flagged shock oil misting and a damaged windscreen. The 2025 failure added tyre structural issues, brake pad wear, and a suspension joint defect, indicating progressive degradation. While some issues were minor in earlier years, the 2025 defects point to worsening mechanical health, particularly in critical areas like braking, suspension, and tyre integrity. The vehicle’s mileage of 106,923 miles over 14 years averages 7,637 miles annually, which is typical for its age. This suggests neither excessive wear nor prolonged under-use, but the concentration of defects in high-mileage components (brakes, tyres, suspension) aligns with normal aging. However, the recent failure’s severity raises questions about maintenance history and whether underlying issues were addressed promptly.