2008 Audi A4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Audi A4s, from 13,145 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Audi A4s than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualAudi A423% All 2008 cars11.3%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usualAudi A414.6% All 2008 cars7.2%Rough price £60–£350
At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes4.2× usualAudi A44.2% All 2008 cars1%Rough price £50–£150
At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Engine warning light1.7× usualAudi A44.6% All 2008 cars2.7%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Rigid brake pipes: 1% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars. Headlamp: 3.2% here, against 10.7% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes29% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints15% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Oil and fluid leaks11% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)2.0 TFSI petrol, about 2008-2012
Early 2.0 TFSI petrols are known for burning oil because of the piston rings.
At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.
- Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)2.0 TFSI petrol
The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.
- EGR and particulate filter (diesel)2.0 TDI diesel
Diesels can clog the EGR valve and particulate filter, especially with short trips.
At the viewing: Watch for black smoke, rough idle or warning lights.
- Worn front suspension bushes
Front control arm bushes wear early, causing clunks and vague steering.
At the viewing: Listen over bumps and feel for wander.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5,843 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 12,714 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 13,510 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 21,037 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 21,704 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 16,061 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 16,500 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 15,547 | Suspension 34% |
| 2012 | 12,883 | Suspension 37% |
| 2011 | 13,173 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 12,092 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 11,511 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Audi A4s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score