2012 Audi A4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Audi A4s, from 12,883 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 2012 Audi A4s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualAudi A419.9% All 2012 cars10.1%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 absorbers1.7× usualAudi A411% All 2012 cars6.5%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.
Number plate lights: 0.6% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.2% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension37% 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.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes22% 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 electrics16% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints6% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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% |
| 2011 | 13,173 | Suspension 45% |
| 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 2012 Audi A4s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score