Used car guide

2008 Audi A8: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Audi A8s, from 584 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

584MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
8,500typical miles a year
26%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2008 Audi A8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% 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.

  • Suspension
    25% 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.

  • Brakes
    21% 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 electrics
    15% 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 mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% 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.

Looking at a Audi A8?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019728Tyres 15%
2018954Tyres 19%
2017662Tyres 18%
2016884Tyres 19%
2015921Tyres 20%
2014838Tyres 20%
2013697Tyres 20%
2012676Tyres 24%
2011670Tyres 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Audi A8s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score