Audi A4 B8: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Audi A4 B8 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 110,912 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Audi A4 B8, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008* | 63% | 57% +6 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2× usual | 13,145 |
| 2009 | 65% | 58% +7 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.2× usual | 11,511 |
| 2010 | 66% | 59% +7 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.2× usual | 12,092 |
| 2011 | 69% | 61% +8 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.3× usual | 13,173 |
| 2012 | 71% | 63% +8 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2× usual | 12,883 |
| 2013 | 72% | 66% +6 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.1× usual | 15,547 |
| 2014 | 73% | 69% +4 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2× usual | 16,500 |
| 2015* | 74% | 72% +2 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.2× usual | 16,061 |
Weak spots across the Audi A4 B8
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 2.3× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt 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) jointsup to 2.8× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Shock absorbersup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Engine warning lightup to 2.2× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2010, 2009.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)
Early 2.0 TFSI petrols are known for burning oil because of the piston rings.
Check: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.
- Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)
The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.
Check: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.
- EGR and particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels can clog the EGR valve and particulate filter, especially with short trips.
Check: Watch for black smoke, rough idle or warning lights.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
- Worn front suspension bushes
Front control arm bushes wear early, causing clunks and vague steering.
Check: Listen over bumps and feel for wander.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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