2018 Audi R8: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Audi R8s, from 259 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 259 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 2018 Audi R8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres13% 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.
- Suspension3% 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.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes1% 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.
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.
- Leaking magnetic dampersCars with magnetic ride
The magnetic ride dampers can leak.
At the viewing: Look for oily dampers.
- Hard use and crash damageAll engines
Low mileage can hide track use. Check carefully for crash damage and abuse.
At the viewing: Look for repaired panels, worn brakes and tyres, and ask about track days.
- Squealing steel brakesSteel brakes
Steel brakes can squeal until they bed in. Carbon-ceramics aren't affected.
At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.
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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 122 | Tyres 7% |
| 2019 | 139 | Tyres 13% |
| 2017 | 323 | Tyres 12% |
| 2016 | 315 | Tyres 12% |
| 2015 | 183 | Tyres 9% |
| 2014 | 242 | Tyres 9% |
| 2013 | 238 | Tyres 11% |
| 2012 | 177 | Tyres 14% |
| 2011 | 288 | Brakes 13% |
| 2010 | 329 | Tyres 13% |
| 2009 | 289 | Brakes 15% |
| 2008 | 519 | Brakes 17% |
| 2007 | 253 | Suspension 17% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Audi R8s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score