Part of the Audi A4 B9 (2015–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.
2023 Audi A4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Audi A4s, from 336 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 336 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres21% 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.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes2% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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.
- Seat and airbag recallsAll engines
There were recalls for front seats and seat frames, and for airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that might not work.
At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out, and ask for proof of recall work.
- Stop-start problemsAll engines
Some owners report problems with the stop-start system.
At the viewing: Watch the engine stop and restart smoothly at junctions, with no warning lights.
- Trim rattlesAll engines
Rattles from the cabin trim are a common complaint.
At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen around the dashboard and doors.
- Powered tailgate faults (Avant)Avant estate
The powered tailgate on Avant estates can play up.
At the viewing: Open and close it several times with the button and the key.
Looking at an Audi A4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,693 | Tyres 29% |
| 2021 | 7,083 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 8,313 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 13,101 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 13,511 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 21,043 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 21,710 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 16,066 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 16,514 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 15,554 | Suspension 34% |
| 2012 | 12,890 | Suspension 37% |
| 2011 | 13,180 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 12,096 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 11,513 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 13,154 | Suspension 52% |
| 2007 | 12,460 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 10,474 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 5,707 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 5,035 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 2,822 | Suspension 53% |
| 2002 | 1,481 | Suspension 55% |
| 2001 | 691 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 753 | Suspension 46% |
| 1999 | 631 | Suspension 48% |
| 1998 | 386 | Suspension 49% |
| 1997 | 218 | Suspension 48% |
| 1996 | 156 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Audi A4s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score