2016 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · OU16 TLJ

A pattern of chronic advisory items relating to suspension wear and shock absorber oil seepage defines the mechanical picture of this 2016 Audi A5. Across the seven recorded MOT tests, beginning with the 2019 test where an offside rear shock absorber was flagged for light misting, the same family of components has been repeatedly noted. The 2020 test introduced advisories on both front shock absorbers for the same condition, and by the most recent pass on 18 March 2026, the advisories have widened to include nearside rear and offside rear shock absorber oil misting once again, plus both front lower suspension arms showing worn curved arm bushes. While every annual test from 2022 through 2026 has resulted in a pass with no failures recorded, the cumulative advisory history points to progressive suspension degradation. A test on 29 February 2024 was the only one in the recent run to record a completely clean outcome with no advisories, suggesting the intervening period saw measurable wear return to several components. Mileage accumulation has been steady and in line with typical use for the vehicle's age. The recorded figure of 107,505 miles across approximately ten years equates to an average of around 10,750 miles annually, and there are no extended gaps between annual tests that would suggest a prolonged period off the road. The consistent year-on-year testing pattern supports a vehicle that has remained in regular use, which is consistent with the wear pattern observed on the suspension and tyres. At this mileage, consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres and certain flexible components would reasonably be approaching or past replacement intervals, and the advisory history bears this out through repeated tyre wear observations on both the front and rear axles, including inner-edge wear noted as early as the 2021 test. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front suspension lower arms, particularly the curved arm bushes, and all four shock absorbers. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, as worn bushes in the lower arms can allow discernible movement and noise even when static examination shows acceptable play. Pay close attention to steering precision, as worn front arm bushes can introduce vagueness or a slight delay in directional response. Examine the shock absorbers for any progression beyond light misting; any heavier oil residue, weeping seals or corrosion pitting on the damper bodies would indicate the advisories have advanced to a stage requiring replacement. The rear shocks, which have carried advisories for oil misting in three of the last four tests, warrant particular attention for any worsening in ride control, bouncing after compression, or uneven damping between the two sides. Brake system condition should also be assessed given the mileage, even though no brake-related advisories have appeared in the recorded history. During a road test, check for any pulling to one side under braking, vibration through the pedal suggesting disc warp, or a soft or spongy pedal feel. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres closely for uneven wear patterns, as the recurring advisories for inner-edge wear on both front tyres in 2021 suggest a tracking or suspension geometry issue may be present or may have been addressed at the time. Finally, a raised inspection of the underside for any corrosion on suspension links, subframe mounting points and brake pipe routings is advisable at this age and mileage, even though no corrosion defects have yet been recorded on test.