1999 Audi A4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Audi A4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Audi A4 diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Brake discs2.8× usual
  Audi A4

  29.8% All 1999 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Audi A4

  18.4% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Wheel bearings3.2× usual
  Audi A4

  17.7% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Tread depth1.9× usual
  Audi A4

  23.1% All 1999 cars

  12.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Audi A4

  15.3% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 1.9% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1999 Audi A4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Audi A4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  19% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Audi A4 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1999 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1999 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1999 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?