Is the 2018 AUDI A5 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of AUDI A5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 25,771 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2018 AUDI A5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), including £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 AUDI A5?

The 2018 AUDI A5 has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 25,771 tests in 2026. This ranks 326 out of 649 cars from 2018.

Which year AUDI A5 is most reliable?

The 2021 AUDI A5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2007 at 82%.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 AUDI A5?

The average mileage for a 2018 AUDI A5 is 52,385 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

AUDI A5 (2018)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 25,771 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,695

£141/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2967cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1695/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel2967cc8 years old25,771 tests52k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2967cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,695

Per month£141/mo

Per week£33/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 8 years old, 90% of AUDI A5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 25,771 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,385 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 cars326th of 649(top 50%)

Rank among AUDI models673th of 1,079(top 62%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 2018 cars average+1%(89% avg)

vs AUDI average+0%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

52,385

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2018 AUDI A5 has 52,385 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2018 sits between the two at 90%.

AUDI A5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	768	29,053 mi
2020	91%	5,513	35,048 mi
2019	90%	22,290	43,034 mi
2018	90%	25,771	52,385 mi
2017	89%	33,531	63,247 mi
2016	88%	17,690	73,631 mi
2015	87%	22,720	82,750 mi
2014	86%	23,251	92,783 mi
2013	85%	23,409	98,721 mi
2012	85%	20,845	106,193 mi
2011	83%	21,339	112,687 mi
2010	82%	22,181	119,440 mi
2009	82%	13,400	125,967 mi
2008	83%	8,932	132,636 mi
2007	82%	3,222	141,630 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES E

2019 · 2925cc Diesel

£1,690/year

90%

same

MERCEDES GLC

2018 · 2987cc Diesel

£1,690/year

91%

+1%

FORD RANGER

2019 · 3198cc Diesel

£1,840/year

87%

-3%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR

2018 · 2993cc Diesel

£1,690/year

91%

+1%

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About the 2018 AUDI A5

The 2018 AUDI A5 is a premium performance with a 2967cc diesel engine. 25,771 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 52,385 miles at 8 years old, AUDI A5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 AUDI A5 Fuel Costs

The 2967cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2018 AUDI A5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

AUDI A5 Reliability Trend

Newer AUDI A5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2018 AUDI A5

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 25,771 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2018 AUDI A5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2018 AUDI A5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
AUDI A5(2018)	90%	£1245	£195	Grp 30-42	£1695
MERCEDES E(2019)	90%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1690-£5
MERCEDES GLC(2018)	91%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1690-£5
FORD RANGER(2019)	87%	£1245	£190	Grp 35-50	£1840+£145
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR(2018)	91%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1690-£5

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.