2011 Audi A4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Audi A4s, from 13,173 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 2011 Audi A4s than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usualAudi A424.5% All 2011 cars10.8%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.
- Shock absorbers1.6× usualAudi A412.4% All 2011 cars7.6%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usualAudi A49% All 2011 cars4.8%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.
- Engine warning light1.6× usualAudi A43% All 2011 cars1.9%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: 0.3% here, against 6.1% of all 2011 cars. Engine oil leaks: 3.4% here, against 8.9% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics19% 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 joints9% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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% |
| 2010 | 12,092 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 11,511 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 13,145 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Audi A4s registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score