Used car guide

2009 Audi R8: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Audi R8s, from 289 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 289 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

289MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
3,100typical miles a year
15%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2009 Audi R8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    15% 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.

  • Tyres
    15% 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
    14% 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 electrics
    6% 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
    3% 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
    1% 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.

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.

  • Engine bearing failures (V8)
    4.2 V8

    A few V8s have had bottom-end bearing failures. Oil lines can also rust.

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking or odd noises, and look at the oil lines underneath.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi R8 (2007-2015) reliability

  • Rear wishbone failure
    All engines

    The lower rear wishbones can fail. A new wishbone and hub is about £3,000 in parts alone.

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks from the back and have the suspension checked on a lift.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi R8 (2007-2015) reliability

  • Clutch wear (£3,500)
    Manual and R tronic

    A clutch may only last about 20,000 miles and costs around £3,500.

    At the viewing: Ask when the clutch was last replaced and have its wear read by a specialist.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi R8 (2007-2015) reliability

  • Magnetic dampers failing
    Cars with magnetic ride

    The magnetic dampers can fail, at about £800 each.

    At the viewing: Look for oily dampers and a bouncy or crashy ride.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi R8 (2007-2015) reliability

  • Misfires from ignition coils
    All engines

    Faulty ignition coils cause misfires.

    At the viewing: Listen for an uneven idle and check for warning lights.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi R8 (2007-2015) reliability

Looking at an Audi R8?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020122Tyres 7%
2019139Tyres 13%
2018259Tyres 13%
2017323Tyres 12%
2016315Tyres 12%
2015183Tyres 9%
2014242Tyres 9%
2013238Tyres 11%
2012177Tyres 14%
2011288Brakes 13%
2010329Tyres 13%
2008519Brakes 17%
2007253Suspension 17%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Audi R8s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score